As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the air is thick with anticipation and scrutiny. In this episode of Two Old Bloggers, hosts Darren Campbell and Dave Stefano, grizzled veterans of Vikings commentary, each with over 25 years of experience, dissect the team’s offseason moves with their trademark candor and passion. Aired on the Vikings 1st & SKOL platform and partnered with the Fans First Sports Network, this episode tackles three critical themes: the impact of Tyler Williams on player health, the latest developments in draft preparations, and lingering concerns about the left guard position. With the NFL Draft looming just 11 days away on April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, the hosts offer fans a roadmap to understanding the Vikings’ path forward.

The Tyler Williams Effect: Can Health Overcome Age?

A Controversial Free Agency Haul

The Vikings’ offseason began with a splash, as General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah inked deals with several high-profile veterans, including Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Ryan Kelly, and Aaron Jones—all aged 30 or older. However, these signings drew sharp criticism from an unnamed NFL executive quoted in The Athletic by Mike Sando. The executive likened the strategy to the ill-fated 2015 Indianapolis Colts, warning, “It’s like the 2015 Colts all over again, signing older guys who’ve been hurt, who are on third or fourth contracts. You cannot build a team with old players, especially old players who have been cut because they were hurt.”

Darren Campbell shares the concern, noting the financial commitment to these players over the next two years. “If any of those guys are missing significant time in either next season or in 2026, that is a lot of financial resources that are gonna be weighed up on the training table,” he said. With all four players having missed significant time in 2023 or 2024, the risk is palpable. Campbell adds, “As players get older… it seems like they get hurt more. When they get hurt, it takes ’em longer to recover.”

The Counterargument: Tyler Williams’ Track Record

Head coach Kevin O’Connell, however, remains unfazed, pinning his confidence on Tyler Williams, the Vikings’ Vice President of Player Health and Performance. Hired in 2022 when O’Connell joined the team, Williams brought 15 years of experience from the Los Angeles Rams. Campbell praises Williams’ impact, stating, “During that time, from 2022 to last year… the Vikings have been a pretty healthy team compared to a lot of NFL teams.” While acknowledging major injuries like Christian Darrisaw’s ACL/MCL tear and Kirk Cousins’ 2023 Achilles rupture, Campbell emphasizes that soft-tissue injuries have been minimal under Williams’ watch.

A standout example is running back Aaron Jones, who credited Williams’ “prehab” program for feeling the best he had since his rookie year. “He specifically mentioned that he felt the best he’d ever felt,” Campbell recounts. “Last year, Aaron Jones played all 17 regular season games… for the second time in his eight-year career.” This availability aligns with the sports adage Williams embodies: “The best ability for a player is availability.”

The players’ trust in Williams is evident in the NFLPA’s Team Report Card, where the Vikings’ training staff earned an A grade, matching only the Miami Dolphins. “Vikings players have a huge amount of confidence in Tyler Williams and his training staff,” Campbell says, echoing O’Connell’s sentiment that Williams’ team is “world class.” Veterans like Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore, both in their mid-30s, have remained durable, reinforcing Williams’ ability to keep older players on the field.

Dave Stefano pushes back on the Colts comparison, arguing, “When the 2015 Colts did it, they were building a team with old players. We’re not building a team with old players.” He points to young stars like J.J. McCarthy, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson as the team’s foundation, with veterans like Jones and Allen as “frosting to the cake” to boost Super Bowl chances. Stefano’s optimism hinges on Williams’ ability to maintain player health, a critical factor for the Vikings’ playoff aspirations in 2025.

This Week in Vikingsland: Draft Buzz and Quarterback Clarity

Top 30 Visits Signal Draft Priorities

With the NFL Draft fast approaching, the Vikings are intensifying their evaluations, hosting 24 prospects for Top 30 visits at their Eagan facility. These face-to-face meetings, distinct from Combine or Pro Day interactions, often foreshadow draft picks or undrafted free agent signings. Campbell highlights the significance, citing Tyler Forness’ analysis: “In the three years so far, they’ve drafted five guys that were Top 30 visits… and signed eight undrafted rookie free agents who they met with.”

The list includes three Georgia defensive tackles—Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins—indicating a focus on bolstering defensive line depth despite free agency additions like Allen and Hargrave. “Stackhouse is basically built like Linval Joseph… a two-down run-stuffing wide body,” Campbell explains, while Brinson and Ingram-Dawkins offer pass-rush potential. All are projected as Day 3 picks, aligning with the Vikings’ strategy to add developmental talent.

Tight end depth, a prior concern, is also being addressed, with Georgia’s Ben Yurosek and North Carolina’s Bryson Nesbitt visiting. “Neither of these guys are expected to go before Day 3, if they get drafted at all,” Campbell notes, suggesting they could be developmental prospects behind T.J. Hockenson. Additionally, wide receivers Chandler Brayboy (Elon) and Silas Bolden (Texas), both strong return specialists, caught the hosts’ attention. “The Vikings really still have to settle who’s gonna return punts,” Campbell says, referencing the NFL’s new kickoff rules increasing return opportunities.

Stefano adds SMU running back Brashard Smith to the returner conversation, noting his 24.5-yard average on kick returns at Miami. “He’s a diminutive back… five-10, 194 pounds, but he ran like a 4.39,” Stefano says, envisioning a competition among Smith, Brayboy, and Bolden for return duties.

The Quarterback Conundrum: Who Backs Up McCarthy?

The episode clarifies the Vikings’ quarterback situation, emphatically shutting down Aaron Rodgers rumors. Campbell recounts, “It was Rodgers that contacted the Vikings… Kevin O’Connell, mostly, had the dialogue with Aaron Rodgers.” Both McCarthy and backup Brett Rypien were kept informed, ensuring no disruption. “The end result we have here is exactly what you and I told everybody for months,” Campbell asserts. “J.J. McCarthy was going to be the starter in 2025.”

However, the backup role remains a pressing issue. With only McCarthy and Rypien on the roster, and options like Joe Flacco and Drew Lock signing elsewhere, the pool is shrinking. Campbell worries, “The options are getting thinner and thinner to find a capable backup for J.J. McCarthy.” Speculation about Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, or Tyler Huntley is complicated by Derek Carr’s potential season-long absence in New Orleans, which could lure veterans seeking starting roles.

An ESPN article by Ben Solak proposed Ohio State’s Will Howard as a sixth-round draft pick, but with only four picks, Campbell doubts the feasibility unless Adofo-Mensah trades for more. Stefano mentions trade possibilities like Aidan O’Connell or Sam Howell, and even Will Levis, though Campbell is skeptical after Levis’ poor performance against the Vikings last season. “I don’t know why the Vikings would have a whole lot of interest in Will Levis,” he says, though he acknowledges O’Connell’s knack for quarterback development.

McCarthy’s preparation impresses Stefano, who shares, “He graded every single defensive player in the league… looking for tendencies.” This diligence, reminiscent of Tom Brady’s cerebral approach, fuels optimism about McCarthy’s readiness. “I think he’s probably further ahead than just about every young quarterback at two years,” Stefano enthuses.

Should the Vikings Be Guarded About Left Guard?

Blake Brandel’s Uncertain Hold

The Vikings’ offensive line overhaul saw Ed Ingram traded and Garrett Bradbury released, with Will Fries and Ryan Kelly signed to solidify right guard and center. Yet, left guard remains a question mark, with Blake Brandel slated to start in 2025. Campbell expresses unease, noting O’Connell’s defense of Brandel at the NFL owners’ meetings: “He talked about Blake Brandel and how he needed to have some grace… because he went from having Christian Darrisaw by his side at left tackle… to Cam Robinson.”

Brandel’s performance dipped significantly with Robinson, leading Campbell to question, “If he needs a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle behind him to just play passably, that makes me think that maybe he shouldn’t be the guy.” With McCarthy entering his first year as a starter, a weak link could jeopardize the offense. “You want his offensive line as solid as possible, giving him a nice, warm, safe cocoon in the pocket,” Campbell says.

Draft or Free Agency: The Path Forward

Draft experts are taking notice, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. mocking Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson to the Vikings at pick 24. Others project Alabama’s Tyler Booker or North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel, Stefano’s “draft crush.” “I like the way he plays ball,” Stefano says of Zabel, praising his Senior Bowl performance. However, as reported, Purple Insider Matthew Coller’s research tempers expectations, finding that only 13.6% of first- or second-round guards and centers since 2021 achieved a PFF grade above 70 as rookies, while 59% scored below 60. “Sticking a rookie in there… history has shown recently that they’re gonna struggle their first year,” Campbell warns.

This uncertainty prompts Campbell to advocate for re-signing Dalton Risner, a free agent for the third consecutive offseason despite starting 81 of 87 career games. “He’s a pretty good pass protector,” Campbell says, citing Risner’s 76.2 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024, with no sacks allowed over 537 snaps. While Risner’s run-blocking grade of 57.4 is a weakness, his $2.4 million cap hit last year makes him a cost-effective option. “I’d be quite fine with the Vikings signing Risner for another one-year deal… providing competition to Blake Brandel,” Campbell concludes.

Stefano is less enthusiastic, preferring younger talent. “I’d rather get some young developing guys,” he says, acknowledging Risner as an “emergency break” if needed. He notes O’Connell’s push to improve the run game, which could clash with Risner’s deficiencies. Still, Stefano agrees competition is essential, suggesting later-round draft picks or even moving tackle Walter Rouse inside.

The Broader Offensive Line Landscape

The hosts also consider other free agents like Brandon Scherff and Will Hernandez, though Scherff’s age (33) and injury history raise concerns. Campbell notes, “If you are concerned about the Vikings signing too many old guys… maybe you don’t wanna sign another old guy.” The draft offers alternatives, with prospects like Texas’ Kelvin Banks potentially shifting to guard. “He’s looked at as a guy who’s likely gonna be moved inside,” Campbell says, highlighting the Vikings’ interest in versatile linemen.

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Looking Ahead: A Pivotal Offseason

As the Vikings approach the 2025 draft and season, Two Old Bloggers underscores the high stakes. Tyler Williams’ ability to keep veterans healthy could silence critics of Adofo-Mensah’s free agency strategy. The Top 30 visits signal a focus on depth and special teams, while McCarthy’s backup situation demands resolution. Most critically, the left guard position—whether held by Brandel, Risner, or a rookie—could define the offensive line’s success.

Campbell and Stefano’s chemistry, bolstered by lively fan interactions, makes this episode a must-listen for SKOL Nation. “I just wanna thank them,” Campbell says of the fans. “It always amazes me every week that there’s people like Aaron, Skywalking McCarthy, like Anthony, they show up to every show.” With the draft just days away, the Vikings’ moves will shape their Super Bowl aspirations. Will they solidify the line, secure a backup, and keep their veterans on the field? Tune into Two Old Bloggers to stay ahead of the curve.

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