Questions Answered: Relatively Few Camp Battles, the Jefferson Triple Crown, D.J. Wonnum

Justin Jefferson
May 26, 2021; Eagan, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) runs after the catch in drills at OTA at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the June 25th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].

Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.


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Q: Is it just me, or are there relatively few camp battles for the Vikings heading into July? Especially for a new coaching regime?

Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) reacts after tackling Georgia Tech freshman Jahmyr Gibbs (1) during the fourth quarter in Clemson, S.C., September 18, 2021. Ncaa Football Georgia Tech At Clemson

A: You are correct. For a new general manager and head coach in charge, there should be a litany of summer camp battles.

Yet, aside from “normal” ones like TE2 or QB2, the only big mysteries for the depth chart are at RG and CB. Jesse Davis is probably the early frontrunner to start at right guard unless Ed Ingram has something to say about it.

And at CB, Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler, and Andrew Booth will duke it out for starting jobs.

Aside from that, we know, for the most part, who will probably start for the Vikings in September. Lewis Cine and Camryn Bynum as free safety will be interesting to watch at training camp, too.

Q: Do you believe Justin Jefferson will win the WR triple crown for receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns?

Vikings Dallas
Nov 22, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys defensive back Anthony Brown (30) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

A: If anyone wins this Triple Crown in 2022, it will likely be Jefferson. But generally speaking, winning the Triple Crown is an incredibly tricky feat to accomplish. Because it’s rare, we’ll predict he will not achieve it.

Jefferson is a safe bet to lead the NFL in targets, though. In fact, through two years — and in a run-first offense — Jefferson was targeted more than any player in NFL history through a player’s first two seasons.

Q: What about D.J. Wonnum for taking a big leap in Year 3?

Vikings Defense
Oct 10, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end D.J. Wonnum (98) and defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) celebrate a sack of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

A: He will have the opportunity to do it. That’s for sure.

A criticism of the Vikings roster in the summer is defensive top-heaviness. They’re banking on giant seasons from Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith. However, after those two men, the EDE depth is unproven and skimpy.

Wonnum was decent in 2020 and 2021. His quest to break out in Year 3 is a huge maybe. We won’t formally predict Wonnum as the next big thing.


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).


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