Vikings practice observations: Laquon Treadwell's leaping grab, backup tackles shuffle

The Vikings closed out the spring by concluding the three-day mandatory minicamp with Thursday’s practice.

An alumni barbecue afterward had many former players at Winter Park ranging from recently retired linebacker Chad Greenway to Hall of Fame defensive tackle John Randle.

On the field, the offense pushed back Thursday after the defense had taken control much of the spring. Second-year receiver Laquon Treadwell concluded one red-zone session with a leaping grab of a Sam Bradford pass over Trae Waynes for a touchdown in the corner of the end zone.

It’s a good sign for Treadwell, who was hampered by injuries longer than the Vikings anticipated as a rookie. He has worked with the starting offense, even staying on the field Thursday in two-receiver sets with Stefon Diggs, throughout the spring. Veteran Michael Floyd, signed a month ago and likely facing a suspension to start the season, has worked with the second unit.

“I’m just hungry to compete and do what I’m used to doing,” Treadwell said.

Without T.J. Clemmings or Rashod Hill  in the mix, the Vikings backup tackles Thursday were Willie Beavers (left) and Jeremiah Sirles (right). Sirles has primarily moved to guard, spelling Alex Boone on the left side sparingly. However, the Vikings moved him back outside with both of the top swing tackle candidates in Hill and Clemmings held back. You can’t get a thorough judgment on blocking when live contact and pads aren’t allowed, so we’ll have to see how this group fares come training camp next month.

Case Keenum  took the lead Thursday with the second unit as Taylor Heinicke siphoned a couple series from him. The backup quarterback competition will be decided in camp and both have had up-and-down springs. Keenum nearly threw an interception at the goal line Thursday. Heinicke took a few more chances downfield, throwing behind his man twice with deflections by Kentrell Brothers and Tre Roberson. He then connected with tight end Bucky Hodges on a tiptoe sideline grab that set up a rushing touchdown in red-zone sessions.

It’s clear  the Vikings will be counting on second-year tight end David Morgan to contribute in multiple tight end sets this season after Rhett Ellison joined the Giants in free agency. Morgan has drawn praise from coaches and players as an efficient blocker, which this offense could use in short-yardage situations. He’s been moved around the formations as the second tight end alongside Kyle Rudolph throughout this spring.

Terence Newman  may not be a starter, but he’s not going away quietly entering his age 39 season. Newman was the slot cornerback in the defense’s first red-zone drill and deflected a Bradford pass intended for Stefon Diggs. Second-year cornerback Mackensie Alexander is expected to step up and push for that starting role this summer.

Taylor Symmank  has made a strong case this spring to take over the punting job vacated by Jeff Locke in free agency. Symmank booted a few impressive punts Thursday ranging beyond 60 yards with veteran Ryan Quigley not reaching the same distance or hang time on his few attempts during team sessions.