Vikings Report To Camp Today In Mankato, First Practice Tomorrow

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Minnesota Vikings players report to training camp in Mankato for the 49th straight year today, and move into what will be their home for the next several weeks at Minnesota State University. Here's why I'm looking forward to the new season, along with some of the latest Vikings headlines.

New head coach Mike Zimmer's been busy working behind the scenes, and now we'll start to get a look under the hood. Much has been said about the new style, expectations, and atmosphere Zimmer has brought to the team.

While Cassel is the likely week-one starter at QB, rookie Teddy Bridgewater is not out of the running for that spot. He's likely to get a start sooner than later in 2014, but if he amazes coaches in the preseason, Zimmer could pop the rookie into the Week 1 starting role. Bridgewater was widely seen as the QB draft choice best suited to be an immediate NFL starter.

It's easy to take it for granted, but the Vikings still have the best running back in the league, and that title should not change for Adrian Peterson this year. Additionally, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was one of the bright spots last season. His role will like increase under new offensive coordinator Norv Tuner.

Jerick McKinnon. I just have a feeling.

As much attention as Bridgewater has received, it's easy to forget that linebacker Anthony Barr was selected by the Vikings 23 spots in the draft ahead of him. Barr is projected to start at linebacker along with Chad Greenway and returnee Jasper Brinkley.

Captain Munnerlyn was a big offseason acquisition, as the Vikings were able to lure him away for Carolina to play in the slot in the Vikings secondary, joining Xavier Rhodes, Harrison Smith, and others in the Minnesota secondary.

Other Minnesota Vikings headlines this week include: