The first evaluation usually happens while players are wearing a ball cap instead of a helmet.
This week’s transition from the preseason to the regular season allows time for another round of grading that has the benefit of a full offseason program of practices, training camp and exhibition games.
Matthew Coller of 1500ESPN.com used this window to assess the 2017 Vikings draft class and identified four players that he thinks are likely to be “potential impact players” in their rookie seasons. The four were also Minnesota’s first four picks of the draft, starting with second-round selection Dalvin Cook and continuing with third-round pick Pat Elflein and fourth rounders Jaleel Johnson and Ben Gedeon.