The Minnesota Vikings open training camp on July 28 at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota. Here's a closer look at the Vikings' camp, which wraps up Aug. 9.
Top storyline: Coming off their first NFC North championship since 2009, and with their new home at U.S. Bank Stadium ready for next season, the Vikings will be followed by as much optimism as they have in some time. Fans expect the team to contend in the NFC, and the Vikings' ability to do so will likely depend on the development of third-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. He is 17-11 as a starter in his first two years but posted underwhelming numbers in his second season. The Vikings hope an improved cast around Bridgewater and an improved offensive line will help him take a big step forward.
If Teddy Bridgewater doesn't ...: Become more assertive, the Vikings will have a tough time making a push in the NFC. They ranked 31st in the league in passing yards and touchdowns a year ago. While an improved offensive line should help Bridgewater, coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman have called on him to play a little freer, worrying less about making mistakes and trying to make more plays downfield.
Player who will have fans buzzing: Defensive end Danielle Hunter has spent part of his offseason training with running back Adrian Peterson at his gym in Houston. After a six-sack rookie season, Hunter could be in line for bigger things in Year 2. While training with Peterson, Hunter has done some boxing as a way to develop his moves and counters for NFL offensive tackles. Keep an eye on how much playing time he gets at left end, where veteran Brian Robison still figures to be a prominent part of the Vikings' defense.
Position battle worth watching: The offensive line will be full of them, after the Vikings signed a handful of veterans this spring. Andre Smith will compete with Phil Loadholt at right tackle, John Sullivan will try to beat out Joe Berger for the center spot after returning from two back surgeries, and Mike Harris could push for a job at either right guard or right tackle.
That rookie should start: The Vikings' draft class is largely made up of players who could take their time before contributing, but first-round pick Laquon Treadwell should be the exception. They needed a big target for Bridgewater, and there's little doubt they will be looking for Treadwell to make an immediate impact. If he gives them enough confidence that he can start at split end, the Vikings can move Stefon Diggs to flanker and roll out three-receiver sets with Treadwell, Diggs and Jarius Wright.
Veteran whose job is in jeopardy: Loadholt, the Vikings' long-time right tackle, could have to work for a roster spot after tearing his Achilles last August and a pectoral muscle the September before that. He's 30, playing on a restructured contract with no guaranteed cash, and the Vikings signed Smith to possibly be their right tackle. There might not be enough room for the team to keep both veterans, so Loadholt could have a battle in front of him.
Joint practices return: The Vikings will hold joint practices for the first time in this decade, spending two days with the Cincinnati Bengals before the teams open the preseason against one another Aug. 12. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, who was the Bengals' defensive coordinator from 2008-13, said he probably wouldn't have been interested in joint practices with another team but opted to reunite with his friend and former boss Marvin Lewis on Aug. 10 and 11.
How many more camps in Mankato? The Vikings will break ground on a new practice facility in Eagan, Minnesota, this summer. Given the complex is scheduled to have a 6,000-8,000 seat stadium, it seems fair to wonder how many more years the team will head south for training camp. This will be the Vikings' 51st camp in Mankato, and the team has a deal with Minnesota State that runs through 2018. By that camp, the Vikings' new facility will be open, and the team could eventually join the growing number of clubs that opt to stay home for training camp.
What fans will be saying after camp: Much of the chatter around the Vikings figures to hinge on what Bridgewater is doing, and there will be plenty of talk about his performance in Mankato. If he looks like he's ready to command a more balanced offense in 2016, Vikings fans will be dreaming big before the team's new stadium opens.
For daily updates at camp, check out the Minnesota Vikings clubhouse page.
