The Minnesota Vikings were one of the first teams to hit the practice field for training camp due to the fact they were invited into the Hall of Fame game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  

Head Coach Mike Zimmer got the team off to a hot in heavy start that matched the Mankato, Minnesota summer heat.  Zimmer stressed technique and fundamentals time and time again when he was asked about his training camp strategy during his daily press conferences.  

That was on display specifically with his newest prized first-round draft pick and cornerback Trae Waynes.  Zimmer could be found early and often every day nearly hip-to-hip with Waynes as it was obvious Zimmer was content on spending extra time to help guide Waynes through the NFL speed and nuances.  

While Zimmer and Waynes garnished plenty of attention during the dog days of summer at Blakeslee Stadium it didn't come close to the spotlight that followed around running back Adrian Peterson.  The local fan base cheered loud and proud for the All-Pro tailback that returned from a year off after a cloudy to say the least off the field situation.  

An early "sexy" pick by NFL analysts and experts to be one of the leagues sleeper teams, the Vikings showed off the personnel and potential depth to do just that however, there were plenty of practices that left reporters like myself scratching their head as the roster was clearly still one more year away.  

By the time the three week event had concluded from top to bottom it was clear the team as a unit had grown the cohesivness and rapport with one another, and had taken a big step forward in the ever going process that is an NFL season.  

Check out some highlights and interviews here: