
Rankings the Minnesota Vikings position groups ahead of training camp
The team has used the draft, free agency, and trades to improve itself under the tenure of Adofo-Mensah.
Going into the 2025 season, the team has high expectations and a roster ready to compete. However, we wanted to look at things top to bottom and rank the teams position groups. In the same process, we want to highlight some of the best players within those groups for fans to look out for this year.
Here are our rankings.
1) Linebacker
Best Player: Jonathan Greenard
Most Underrated Player: Brian Asamoah II
X-Factor Player: Ivan Pace Jr.
2) Wide Receiver
Best Player: Justin Jefferson
Most Underrated Player: Jalen Nailor
X-Factor Player: Tai Felton
3) Offensive Line
Best Player: Christian Darrisaw
Most Underrated Player: Christian Darrisaw
X-Factor Player: Will Fries
4) Quarterback
Best Player: J.J. McCarthy
Most Underrated Player: Sam Howell
X-Factor Player: J.J. McCarthy
5) Running Back
Best Player: Aaron Jones
Most Underrated Player: Jordan Mason
X-Factor Player: Jordan Mason
6) Defensive Line
Best Player: Harrison Phillips
Most Underrated Player: Javon Hargrave
X-Factor Player: Jonathan Allen
7) Safety
Best Player: Harrison Smith
Most Underrated Player: Josh Metellus
X-Factor Player: Josh Metellus
8) Cornerback
Best Player: Byron Murphy Jr.
Most Underrated Player: Isaiah Rodgers
X-Factor Player: Jeff Okudah

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


USA Today
8 minutes ago
- USA Today
Eagles' training camp: 3 standouts from the first padded practice of 2025
With Day 5 of practices complete, we're looking at the three standouts from the Tuesday morning session. The Eagles were back on the field for the fifth day of training camp in blistering, almost 100-degree heat. Philadelphia has had four training camp practices and a Friday walkthrough before the NFL celebrates 'Back Together Weekend'. The Eagles have returned to the NovaCare Complex for a Tuesday morning session that will be the team's first fully padded practice of the summer. The Eagles will be on the field for approximately 90 minutes, followed by a walkthrough on Wednesday. With Day 5 of practices complete, we're looking at the three standouts from the Tuesday morning session. RB ShunDerrick Powell Powell rushed for over 4,000 yards in his collegiate career with 42 total touchdowns. He had eight 100-yard games in 2024. The two-time FCS All-American is a three-down running back and potential special-teams standout. Elijah Cooks Roster spots are earned and not stolen, but through one week of training camp at the NovaCare Complex, it's the big, physical receiver, Elijah Cook, making a name for himself ahead of players with bigger expectations. The Eagles signed Cooks to a reserve/future contract following the Super Bowl. Cooks signed with the Eagles' practice squad on Jan. 14 after spending most of the 2024 season on the Jaguars' practice squad. The 26-year-old wideout has made a dazzling catch in each of the past three practices. LB Jihaad Campbell The rookie once again had the spotlight all to himself with Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean out, and Campbell provided a sideline-to-sideline impact on the run and the pass.


USA Today
8 minutes ago
- USA Today
Mark Clayton talks Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle: 'Actions speak louder than words'
Miami Dolphins legendary wide receiver Mark Clayton appeared on The Fins Faithful Podcast Monday night, discussing a wide range of topics, and touched on the 2025 Dolphins, specifically Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Miami all-time leaders in receptions and touchdowns mentioned that he sees a bit of himself in Waddle and also shared his thoughts on Hill. An admirer of Waddle's game, Clayton said, 'Not that I don't love Hill's game as much as Waddle's, but I love Waddle's game. Waddle's game reminds me so much of my own with a little more speed, he's much faster than I was. "If I'm going to say one of the two, you know, who I think patterns their game after mine, I would have to say Waddle.' Clayton was quick to clarify, 'Hill is no slouch,' and offered some wisdom on how Hill could regain the trust of his teammates after a tumultuous 2024 season. 'Your mouth can say anything, but your actions speak louder than words,' he said. 'I think you win your teammates back through your actions, not your words. And he should remember this at all times as an NFL player: You don't play for anybody except the 10 other guys out there on the field. You play for them. You don't play for yourself.' Last season, Hill took himself out of the final game of the season against the New York Jets. Following the game he also made a pseudo trade request, telling reporters "I'm out" and that he was "opening the door" to leave the Dolphins. He has since walked back his comments and is currently trying to win back his teammates' trust. Hill is a three-time Dolphins team captain, but he isn't counting on receiving that honor again. Waddle, who has had a fine first four seasons for Miami, has missed five games the last two seasons. Clayton spoke about the importance of his availability saying, 'For Waddle to really shine like he's capable of shining, man, he's had these little knickknack injuries. He's got to stay healthy to stay on the field for him to be as productive as he possibly could be because, you know, when you're on the sideline in street clothes, you can't help your team.' Both Waddle and Hill will look to get back to their 2023 potency, which of course will have a lot to do with the health of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and the overall improvement of the offense.


USA Today
8 minutes ago
- USA Today
Eagles dealing with injuries to key defenders entering Week 2 of training camp
Two key defensive players were absent from the Eagles' practice with injuries. That comes on the heels of Jalen Carter missing the first few days of camp The defending Super Bowl champions are more than a month away from their season-opening matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, and Vic Fangio's unit is bruised entering Week 2 of training camp. On Tuesday, two key defensive players were absent from practice with injuries. Zack Baun and Nolan Smith, two of the Eagles' top defenders, were both absent from practice on Tuesday and could miss time. Baun suffered a back contusion and Smith a concussion during practice on Monday. That comes on the heels of Jalen Carter missing the first few days of camp and rookie Andrew Mukuba dealing with a shoulder injury. Philadelphia is scheduled to practice on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday, and next Tuesday. The team will have an off day next Wednesday before the preseason opener against the Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field a week from Thursday. Rookie Jihaad Campbell, second-year pro Jeremiah Trotter Jr., and rookie fifth-round pick Smael Mondon from Georgia, as well as Dallas Gant and undrafted rookie Lance Dixon from Toledo, are available inside linebackers.