3 outstanding early Viking training camps that fans can’t ignore

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 27: Clemson Tigers cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. #23 reacts after intercepting the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings training camp is in full swing, and while many of the usual suspects have impressed, these players have emerged as standout players.

It’s a season of change for the Minnesota Vikings but this could get better. The Mike Zimmer era is over, but the signs indicate that the long-time head coach was on the mend. So, former Rams offense coordinator Kevin O’Connell arrives to hopefully breathe new life into a talented roster and get the team back into the playoffs.

So far at Vikings training camp it hasn’t come as a shock to see the likes of Justin Jefferson playing early – that’s what he does. However, there were already signs of the aforementioned new life under O’Connell, with some guys showing up and showing up at camp to put themselves on the map.

There are still plenty of camp and preseason outings to come, but these three players are turning heads in a way that can’t be ignored for Minnesota.

Vikings: 3 standouts in training camp that demand attention

3. Andrew Booth Jr. is ready to breathe life into the secondary school

After buying back from the No. 12 pick, the Vikings used their first two selections in the 2022 NFL Draft to help revamp a secondary that has become a trouble area for the club in recent years. First they took Georgia Safety Lewis Cine at the end of the first lap. But early in the second round with the No. 42 overall pick, Minnesota snatched Andrew Booth Jr. out of Clemson.

Booth was once considered a potential first round pick but fell early in the second round and that has been much to the delight of the organization so far.

When asked what the rookie brings to the secondary level, Cameron Dantzler, another young Vikes cornerback, showered Booth with praise. Speak to Bally Sports North, “He brings that fire, that juice into the second rate — something we really need. I love him like a little brother.”

It should be noted that the Clemson product has no clear path to becoming a starter, with Dantzler and Patrick Peterson among others on the list. Still, he’s garnered rave reviews from both viewers and teammates, even when he’s paired with the likes of Jefferson and a strong Minnesota receiving corps.

He does everything right to make himself noticed and give the defensive group a huge boost.