Vikings Training Camp, Pads On: J.J. McCarthy’s Progress, Defensive Dominance, and UDFA Surprises

NFL: AUG 03 Vikings Training Camp — In The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness hailed Vikings DE Jonathan Greenard as a “game wrecker,” ranking him 3rd on the 91-player roster after his dominant free-agent signing. In the 2-min drill at padded camp, Greenard caused havoc with quick get-offs, disrupting QB J.J. McCarthy, forcing rushed decisions & bad throws. “He was consistently in the backfield,” Forness noted, showcasing his elite rush skills. | Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images via Getty Images

Minnesota Vikings training camp ignites with pads on: J.J. McCarthy shines subtly, Jonathan Greenard dominates, UDFAs and Dwight McGlothern emerge. Dive into on-site analysis on The Real Forno Show, your top Minnesota Vikings podcast from Vikings 1st & SKOL.

Vikings training camp explodes with pads: J.J. McCarthy’s growth, Greenard’s dominance, UDFA surprises! In this gripping episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness delivers fresh insights straight from TCO Performance Center after the Minnesota Vikings’ first padded practice of 2025. Joined by producer Dave Stefano, Forness breaks down the highs and lows, from QB J.J. McCarthy’s steady progress to a ferocious defense that stole the show. This Vikings 1st & SKOL production, offers unfiltered analysis that’s a must for any SKOL fan craving behind-the-scenes NFL training camp buzz.

Diving deeper into the episode, Forness highlights the challenges of observing trench battles due to flipped field orientations but still captures key moments. McCarthy’s day was solid but unspectacular, focusing on process and progressions, with a standout “honey hole” throw to Lucky Jackson showcasing his arm talent. The defense, led by Jonathan Greenard, overwhelmed in the two-minute drill, while UDFAs like Dwight McGlothern and Zemaiah Vaughn impressed at cornerback. Other notes include a competitive punt return battle and flashes from QB Max Brosmer and WR Dontae Fleming.

Key points include:

J.J. McCarthy’s Performance: Emphasized consistency over flash, with effective use of progressions and a precise intermediate throw; struggled in two-minute drill due to defensive pressure.
Defensive Dominance: Jonathan Greenard wrecked havoc, ranking as a top roster player; overall front attacked relentlessly, highlighting early camp edge over offense.
UDFA Standouts: Dwight McGlothern showed marked improvement with an interception; Zemaiah Vaughn’s length and movement earned second-team reps; Dontae Fleming impressed with deep catches.
Position Battles: Punt return contenders include Myles Price, Rondale Moore, Tai Felton, Silas Bolden, and Fleming; cornerback rotations feature Akayleb Evans stepping up amid injuries.
Other Insights: Max Brosmer made a clutch escape and throw; preseason plans limit McCarthy to first game; discussions on mechanics and college-to-pro transitions for McCarthy.

Listen:

Watch:

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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and its NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.

Question:

What surprised you most about the Vikings’ first padded practice, and who do you think will emerge as the breakout star?