Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings stock report: Preseason week 4 vs Rams

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-25 on Thursday night, but who raised or lowered their stock in the final preseason game of 2016?

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Zach Moore (91) celebrates his sack against Los Angeles Rams quarterback Sean Mannion (14) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 27-25. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings hosted the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday in the fourth and final preseason game of the year. With the news of Teddy Bridgewater’s injury seeping through the locker room, there wasn’t much energy for the team to start the game. Luckily, after the first quarter the Vikings got their ducks in a row and started to look like a quality team once more.

With most of the starters sitting this game out for precautionary reasons, the Vikings were left with a short-handed team of fringe players who were all desperate to put some highlights on film in the hopes of making a 53-man roster.

It is tough to judge how the players performed in this game for many reasons. Most of the players had just witnessed their leader get injured during a non-contact play, so their nerves were surely shaken. Most of the players also went out on the field knowing this could be their last time in a professional football uniform, so they brought extra gusto on every play – for a mixed bag of results.

With that in mind, let’s get into the stock report to see who possibly played their way onto the roster, and who played themselves out the door.

Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Justin Trattou (94) gets ready to play the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Stock up: DE Justin Trattou

Justin Trattou did all he can to ensure he is a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 2016. Trattou was all over the field, constantly creating pressure in the pocket for Rams’ quarterbacks.

Even though he was only credited with one pass deflection and one quarterback hit, the game film proves he was much more valuable than that. The pass deflection led to a Vikings interception (Toby Johnson), and his pressure helped the Vikings hold the Rams to less than 54 completion percentage.

Even without a sack against the Rams, Trattou led the Vikings and was second in the entire NFL with 4.5 sacks this preseason. Entering his sixth season in the NFL, Trattou is a great example of a player who wasn’t highly drafted but is able to stick around because of his work ethic and non-stop motor.

Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (11) during a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Stock down: WR Laquon Treadwell

Laquon Treadwell had an up-and-down preseason. In the first preseason game of the season, Treadwell was able to catch 4-of-5 passes for 41 yards against the Bengals. In the second preseason game, Treadwell was thrown to four times, but was unable to catch any of them against the Seahawks. In the third game, the ball was only thrown Treadwell’s way once, but he was able to haul it in for a 15-yard gain.

Unfortunately for Treadwell, the final preseason game was another dud. Thrown to five times, Laquon only caught one pass for five yards against the Rams.

A first round pick just a few months back, the Vikings were hoping for a better showing from Laquon. The ultimate goal is to have him start across from Stefon Diggs and develop into a chain-mover and red-zone threat. Based on the preseason film, however, it will be awhile before he is ready to start.

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jhurell Pressley (42) celebrates his touchdown in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Stock up: RB Jhurell Pressley

Jhurell Pressley was seemingly behind C.J. Ham on the depth chart entering Thursday’s game. While Ham didn’t necessarily do anything to lose his spot, Pressley certainly did everything he could to make a case that he should be the running back on the practice squad.

C.J. Ham had the better day of running the ball, finishing with 15 carries for 59 yards (compared to Pressley, who got 14 carries but only managed 29 yards). However, Pressley surged ahead of Ham in the receiving and kick return categories. Pressley led the Vikings with four receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown through the air, and he was able to add a touchdown on a beautiful 106-yard kick return.

The Vikings are set at running back, with Peterson, McKinnon and Asiata rounding out the top three. Luckily for both Ham and Pressley, the Vikings will likely keep a running back on the practice squad. Both players have made a case that they deserve that spot, and it will be interesting to see who the Vikings choose.

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs after the catch in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) at U.S. Bank Stadium. the Minnesota Vikings beat the Los Angeles Rams 27-25. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Stock down: CB Mackensie Alexander

Mackensie Alexander, similar to the Vikings other high draft pick Laquon Treadwell, had an up-and-down preseason. While he has shown an ability to stay in a receivers hip pocket, tackle well, and make a play on the ball, Mack has a long way to go before he is considered ready for a prominent role in the Vikings’ defensive backfield.

Alexander, like Trae Waynes last year, was given heaps of information before being thrust into game action to sink or swim. Mack has seemingly done a better job than Waynes did, but it’s clear both players need a year or two in the NFL before they are starting caliber.

The good news for the Vikings is their corner back depth is better than it has been for a long time. Terence Newman will hold down one spot, Xavier Rhodes will be locking down the other, and Captain Munnerlyn will enter when the defense goes into the nickel formation, leaving the Vikings with the luxury of letting both Waynes and Alexander sit and learn.

There is no doubt in my mind Alexander will be a phenomenal corner back in the NFL. But it might take a little more time than we anticipated.

Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kentrell Brothers (40) celebrates with safety Jayron Kearse (27) fumble recovery in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Stock up: S Jayron Kearse

Jayron Kearse had the best game of his young career on Thursday. Using his 6’4″ frame, Kearse was able to punish ball carriers and provide good coverage against tight ends and receivers.