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EAGAN, Minn. — The second practice of 2025 Vikings Training Camp presented by Omni Viking Lakes featured plays made by fresh and familiar faces of Brian Flores’ defense.
The session was the first of camp held outside, allowing friends and family of players, coaches and staff the opportunity to glimpse the team on Thursday.
Players remained in helmets and shorts in continuing the acclimation period. They are scheduled to wear shells on Friday and Saturday, rest on Sunday and put pads on for the first time Monday. Saturday’s session is the first that is open to the public.
Fans who make it out to a session or more this year will notice a circle painted on the berm that features 70 in memory of Vikings Ring of Honor member Jim Marshall. The 14-time captain passed away on June 3.
Receiver Justin Jefferson said he felt some tightness in his legs during the session and “shut it down” early. He was not concerned during a media scrum that followed practice. Safety Joshua Metellus attended but did not participate because of a minor ankle injury. Theo Jackson stepped in to participate with the first team at safety.
Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Hitman at it again
On Wednesday, we led with the interceptions by Ivan Pace, Jr., and Andrew Van Ginkel.
Familiar face Harrison Smith, who leads active NFL players with 37 career interceptions heading into his 14th pro season, was up to his timeless tricks Thursday.
He was in position when a ball J.J. McCarthy intended for Lucky Jackson tipped off the receiver’s hands. Rather than jog out a pick six, the franchise leader with four in his career flipped the ball back to Jay Ward for a few more return yards, a total vet move to save the legs mileage.
McCarthy bounced back with other throws, despite some heavy pressure from the Vikings defense. An especially impressive toss occurred earlier in the session when he connected with Jordan Addison along the sideline.
2. Defensive surge
Earlier Thursday, Flores participated in his first media session of camp. By the late afternoon, his group was turning up the heat.
Players who last year established their threats as edge rushers (Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel) and blitzers (Pace and Blake Cashman) weren’t the only ones getting to the backfield.
Dallas Turner was fast off the edge, and fellow outside linebackers Gabriel Murphy (a would-be sack) and Bo Richter (a would-be tackle for loss) also made plays.
3. Corner trio
At cornerback, returning Pro Bowler Byron Murphy, Jr., and newcomers Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah put in quite a bit of work together when the Vikings first-grouping on defense was in its nickel package.
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