Daily Norseman
Following the conclusion of the Minnesota Vikings’ first preseason game, some of the more closely fought position battles are becoming a bit more clear as performance and snap counts and other criteria are considered. The only starting positions that remain undecided are punter and punt returner at this point, although kick returner is probably not 100% decided either.
Kevin O’Connell mentioned in his post-game press conference how important it is to see the circumstances surrounding a player’s performance, rather than just the stats, as the chaos of a preseason game can have a big impact on performance. Which units were on the field on both sides of the ball, for example, along with particular player matchups can have a big impact, particularly in comparing one player’s performance at the same position with another’s. There can be a lot of mixing in of second- and third-team players that can make the competition level more of a mixed bag that has to be assessed as part of a player’s evaluation.
But there are several emerging battles for the last roster spot on some position depth charts that are worth noting. Here are the top eleven emerging position battles following the preseason game against the Texans.
Zavier Scott had a number of positive runs against the Texans on Saturday, although he was probably the beneficiary of some better run blocking than Ty Chandler had too. Chandler was more productive in his run-after-catch opportunities. Scott had received some praise for his training camp performance but it’s difficult to really judge too much given the limited contact.
But after Saturday’s preseason game, it looks like a genuine competition for the RB3 spot. Kevin O’Connell has challenged Ty Chandler to improve his pass blocking as he sees that skill as essential for a RB3 to see the field much without compromising the offfense. Zavier Scott missed a block in pass protection on Saturday, allowing a defender to spin past him for a quarterback hit, so Scott may also have some work to do in pass protection.
Zavier Scott had 12 reps on special teams as well, while Chandler just had one, so the coaching staff may want to see what special teams value Scott brings- which is an important part of the RB3 role as well. Scott graded near average according to PFF on special teams so that doesn’t move the needle.
But the bottom line on this competition is it won’t come down to who had the most rushing yards in preseason. Demostrated ability as a receiver, blocker, and special teamer will all be part of the evaluation.
Richter may have the inside track on this battle, based on his performance last season- particularly on special teams- but Batty is giving him a run for the last edge rusher spot on the roster. Batty had a tackle and an assist on special teams on Saturday, along with a batted pass that...
