Safety
Harrison Smith
Camryn Bynum
Josh Metellus
Theo Jackson
Jay Ward
Lewis Cine
The Vikings were in fine shape at safety even before Harrison Smith decided to come back for his 13th season. In Smith, Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson, and Jay Ward, the Vikings have five safeties that are deserving of significant defensive snaps. All would contend for starting jobs with teams around the league. The Vikings are in such fine shape at safety that 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine is on the roster bubble.
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson
Josh Oliver
Robert Tonyan
Johnny Mundt
Nick Muse
Trey Knox
Sammis Reyes
Tight end is in good shape even with T.J. Hockenson rehabbing a torn ACL. With Hockenson, the position is one of the team’s strongest. That’s due in large part to the addition and emergence of Robert Tonyan. Granted, it’s non-contact, offseason workouts but he’s reportedly been a revelation on the field. Josh Oliver was added last offseaon mostly for his blocking. He can be productive as a receiver when given the opportunity. With Hockenson likely missing the first month of the season, Oliver will have that opportunity. If the reliable Johnny Mundt is a team’s fourth tight end, that team is in good shape at tight end. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has stated that Mundt is the best TE3 in the league. I assume he’ll be the best TE4 in the league once Hockenson returns.
Outside Linebacker
Jonathan Greenard
Andrew Van Ginkel
Dallas Turner
Patrick Jones II
Jihad Ward
Andre Carter II
Gabriel Murphy
Bo Richter
Owen Porter
This might be a bit early to be expecting so much from the team’s outside linebackers. I’m just so intrigued with the talent and potential of this group of players. The Vikings outside linebackers have been completely overhauled in a single offseaon. Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Jihad Ward, Gabriel Murphy, Bo Richter, and Owen Porter are new to the roster. Patrick Jones II and Andre Carter II are the only holdovers. Incredible. I wouldn’t be surprised if Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Turner are three of the Vikings most impactful players this season. I can not wait to see this group on the field.
Inside Linebacker
Ivan Pace Jr.
Blake Cashman
Kamu Grugier-Hill
Brian Asamoah
Abraham Beauplan
Dallas Gant
K.J. Cloyd
This is another position group that’s quickly and quietly emerged as a team strength. Ivan Pace Jr. was something of a phenomenon last season as an undrafted rookie. A path for him becoming a team leader and impact player is easy to see. Entering his second season, he may already be there. Blake Cashman was an excellent offseason addition to pair with Pace in the middle of the defense. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores puts an ever-changing on the field. I’m not sure how he’s going to find ways to get extra safeties, extra edge rushers and two linebackers on the field at the same time. Kamu Grugier-Hill adds veteran depth. Like safety Lewis Cine, Brian Asamoah is another top pick from the 2022 draft that might be on the roster bubble. The coaches seem to like Abraham Beauplan. Dallas Gant and K.J. Cloyd are intriguing, undrafted rookies.
Offensive Tackle
Christian Darrisaw
Brian O’Neill
David Quessenberry
Walter Rouse
Spencer Rolland
Jeremy Flax
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O’Neill form one of the league’s best tackle tandems. David Quessenberry is a solid swing tackle. Walter Rouse is a rookie with intriguing potential. It’s fairly easy to see a plan for him to being groomed as O’Neill’s eventual replacement. Spencer Rolland and Jeremy Flax are undrafted rookies.
And:
Receiver
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Brandon Powell
Trent Sherfield
Jalen Nailor
Trishton Jackson
Lucky Jackson
Thayer Thomas
Malik Knowles
Jeshaun Jones
Ty James
I want to include the receivers simply because of the two players at the top of depth chart. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Jefferson is the best receiver in the league. Jordan Addison might be a half-season away from making Jefferson-Addison the best receiving tandem in the league. After the Vikings top two receivers, there’s a lot to be sorted.
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