The Minnesota Vikings were on the cusp of making the playoffs last season, and with several new key additions - and the return of Adrian Peterson - they’re hoping to break that threshold this season. This preseason figures to play a big role in determining Minnesota’s success in the foreseeable future, so here are three position battles to watch:
3) Right guard
Right now, it seems like Brandon Fusco is going to be the left guard, according to ESPN's Ben Goessling, but right guard is much more up in the air. T.J. Clemmings, just three years after shifting from the defensive line, seems to be the frontrunner, though Joe Berger and David Yankey are giving him stiff competition.
2) Wide receiver
Mike Wallace is locked into one starting spot on the outside, but Charles Johnson and Cordarrelle Patterson will be fighting to start opposite of him. Johnson really came on strong at the end of 2014 while Patterson still struggles with his route running and consistency. Patterson's speed and natural ability should give him the leg up, but nothing will be determined until after the third preseason game.
1) Cornerback
Like Mike Wallace at receiver, Xavier Rhodes is guaranteed to get a starting job, but Josh Robinson will be battling rookie Trae Waynes to start opposite of him. The coaching staff has sky-high expectations for Waynes, but they don't want to throw too much at him too fast. Seeing how he responds to facing elite competition in the preseason will determine his chances at winning this job.
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