Vikings host first day in full pads at training camp at TCO Performance Center

Brian Flores talks first day of full pads at Vikings camp

Brian Flores spoke Monday about what he's looking for out of the defense after the first day of full pads at Vikings training camp at TCO Performance Center.

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - Despite a hot and humid Monday in Eagan, the Minnesota Vikings put on full pads for the first time at training camp in front of a full house at TCO Performance Center.

For the coaches, it’s a day to see what they’ve taught in walk-throughs and film sessions to see how it’s translated onto the field in live situations.

"The game is all about tackling. Obviously we won’t be tackling out here today, but to see if they’re in position to tackle someone," defensive coordinator Brian Flores said. "Also an opportunity to see guys hopefully put hands on some of the receivers. That’s real football, what we evaluate today is as close as you can get to what we’ll do on Sundays in the fall."

Vikings players talk after first padded practice at training camp

Jonathan Greenard, Theo Jackson, Akayleb Evans and Bobby McCain spoke with reporters at training camp Monday at TCO Performance Center, as the team had its first fully-padded practice.

Monday’s highlights

As for the practice, the highlights came at the end during an 11-on-11 team situation. Sam Darnold was intercepted by Cam Bynum trying to hit Justin Jefferson. A few plays later, Darnold hit Jalen Nailor for 40-plus yards down the field on a contested catch.

Nailor continues to make plays to in the battle for the No. 3 receiver job.

Darnold found Justin Jefferson on several completions over team periods, and Aaron Jones again got a lot of action catching passes out of the backfield.

There were few loud pops on the first day of pads. Ivan Pace Jr. delivered a solid hit to DeWayne McBride, and Ty Chandler had an aggressive collision with second-year safety Jay Ward.

Vikings sign defensive back Bobby McCain

With the tragic death of Khyree Jackson and Mekhi Blackmon lost for the season due to a torn ACL, the Vikings added depth to the defensive back room, signing Bobby McCain.

It’s still a question of whether he might play defensive back or safety, but McCain has familiarity with Flores, playing for him with the Miami Dolphins. McCain is in his 10th season and last played for the New York Giants in 2023.

"I got the call Friday, me and Flo had been in contact a little bit. I got the call and I was ready to go. I'm grateful for the opportunity," McCain said. "Just aggressive, his playing style is very aggressive, you're going to bring the energy, be good tacklers. You've got to be a good blitzer and be good in open space. I'd like to hang my hat on all of it."

He had just gotten to the Twin Cities and was ready to put on the pads Monday, playing with the second team defense. Practice continues Tuesday at TCO Performance Center.