A Vikings Defense

Most of the offseason talk has been about the Minnesota Vikings offense. That happens when there’s quarterback questions. It’s always about the quarterback in today’s NFL. This is a look at a potential Vikings defense. 

Vikings Defense

DE	Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
NT	Taki Taimani
DE	Jalen Redmond
OLB	Jonathan Greenard
LB	Blake Cashman
LB	Eric Wilson
OLB	Andrew Van Ginkel
CB	Byron Murphy Jr.
CB	Isaiah Rodgers
S	Josh Metellus
S	Harrison Smith

Brian Flores has become one of the league’s highest-paid coordinators for a reason. He crafts a defense that gives offenses problems. The Vikings have improved in each of his three years in Minnesota. Over those three years, the talent has improved. Flores didn’t have much to work with that first year. He has some players now. That’s only helped his schemes. 

The above defense is pulled from the players currently on the roster. Due to salary cap constraints, it’s been a modest free agency. James Pierre was signed early during the “legal tampering” stage and is a nice addition to the cornerback room. Unless the Vikings sign a player or two in the latter stages of free agency, any contributing players to the defense will be found in the draft. 

The big remaining move before the draft may be the career decision of safety Harrison Smith. Technically, he’s already been released. It isn’t official until he announces that he’s done. Personally, I’m nowhere near ready for Smith to retire. I can’t imagine a Vikings defense without #22. I believe that he returns. With or without his return, safety is a need. His 2026 return would simply lessen safety as an immediate need. 

The above defense doesn’t include Dallas Turner. He might be the most physically gifted player on the Vikings defense. I believe that he’s on the verge of ripping up the NFL. Somehow, Flores must get Turner on the field without significantly cutting into the snaps of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. The three of them on the field together is an exciting thing. 

It’s easy to see every level of the Vikings defense as draft needs. There’s potential on the defensive line but Jalen Redmond is the only proven presence. At linebacker, Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson are great but both will be over 30 at the start of the season. Cashman has also battled through injuries in each of his two seasons in Minnesota. Cornerback always seems to be a need. Safety is a need partly because Harrison Smith can’t play forever. 

It’s difficult to imagine a 2026 Vikings draft not topped by defensive players. It’s impossible to imagine the Vikings 2026 starting defense not including a pick, or two, from the draft. 

Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Ledger

Compared to some recent years, the Minnesota Vikings have been modestly active in free agency. Two weeks into the offseason and four players have been added to the roster. 

Kyler Murray, QB

James Pierre, CB

Johnny Hekker, P

Ryan Van Demark, OT

Of course, Kyler Murray is the highlight signing. It’s always about the quarterback in today’s NFL. The Vikings are the beneficiaries of the Arizona Cardinals paying nearly all of Murray’s large quarterback contract. Minnesota’s share of his income this year is only $1.3 million. The Cardinals are chipping in nearly $40 million. That’s very nice of them. Murray is easily the quarterback bargain of the league. Between that and his proven talent, the signing is also considered one of the best and most impactful. 

James Pierre will have a significant cornerback role in the Vikings secondary. At 6’2”, he adds some needed size to the current starting duo of Byron Murphy Jr., and Isaiah Rodgers. At best, Pierre is a CB3 and reliable starter, if needed. At worst, he’s an excellent CB4. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores and new defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander are familiar with him from their respective time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pierre is also an excellent special teams player. 

With the free agency departure of Ryan Wright, the Vikings needed a punter. They turned to 36-year old Johnny Hekker. It’d be brilliant if they were getting Hekker from ten years ago. As it is, the Vikings added a still solid punter. He’s also an excellent holder. 

The Vikings took a rare dip into restricted free agency to sign offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark. He was a restricted free agent with the Buffalo Bills. He was tendered at a level that gave the Bills the right to match any offer but wouldn’t receive compensation if they declined. Yesterday, the Bills declined to match. The Vikings needed a swing tackle and positional security. Christian Darrisaw’s on-again, off-again return from a torn ACL during the 2024 season was a big part of the 2025 offensive line injury woes. Van Demark could be a key offseason addition. 

This week, the Vikings re-signed quarterback Carson Wentz. In Kevin O’Connell’s four seasons as the Minnesota head coach, two were wrecked by quarterback injuries. In 2023, injuries forced four quarterbacks onto the field. Last year, three quarterbacks had to play. In both seasons, a rookie had to take the field that clearly wasn’t ready for the NFL. O’Connell and the rest of the team’s decision-makers wanted no repeat of those quarterbacking woes. They wanted an improved quarterback room. The ideal is, of course, no injuries. The Vikings wanted and need a deep and competent quarterback group. Two of the moves of the first two weeks addressed that need. This is the Vikings current quarterback room.

Kyler Murray

J.J. McCarthy

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Vikings add a rookie quarterback late in the draft or sign one after the draft to compete with Max Brosmer for a developmental role. As Kevin O’Connell stated, there’s no need to name a starter in March. As a fan, it’s impossible to not imagine September’s depth chart in March. The above is how I see it. 

The Vikings have added four outside free agents. In addition to those signings, the following internal free agents have been re-signed. 

Staying

Aaron Jones, RB

Eric Wilson, LB

Tavierre Thomas, S

Andrew DePaola, LS

Jalen Redmond, DL

Bo Richter, OLB

Zavier Scott, RB

Carson Wentz, QB

Jalen Redmond, Bo Richter, and Zavier Scott were tendered as restricted free agents. Richter and Scott have signed those tenders. I expect, and it seems to be expected by most, that Redmond will be signed to longer-term contract. He was an emerging player in 2024. He arrived in 2025. Redmond has earned a long-term deal. 

A few of the Vikings free agents have found new homes. 

Departing

Jonathan Allen, DL - signed with Cincinnati Bengals

Javon Hargrave, DL - signed with Green Bay Packers

Jalen Nailor, WR - signed with Las Vegas Raiders

Ryan Wright, P - signed with New Orleans Saints

Ty Chandler, RB - signed with New Orleans Saints

It’s on to Week 3 of free agency. The Vikings still have some needs. Pickings are getting slim with the available free agents. Perhaps some bargains can be found. I wouldn’t mind seeing a safety and a defensive lineman. That would continue a modest but productive offseason. 

That 2022 Vikings Draft

The Minnesota Vikings selected 10 players in the 2022 NFL Draft. 

1. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia

2. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

2. Ed Ingram, G, LSU

3. Brian Asamoah II, LB, Oklahoma

4. Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri

5. Esezi Otomewo, DL, Minnesota

5. Ty Chandler, RB, North

6. Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois

6. Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State

7. Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina

This was the first draft of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Kevin O’Connell coaching staff. At the time, I was thrilled with this draft. I was a little unsure of Adofo-Mensah’s move to drop 20 spots in the first round in a trade with the Detroit Lions. Many liked Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton with the 12th pick that the Vikings held. Personally, I was partial to Washington corner Trent McDuffie in the first round. Either pick would’ve been a better pick than Lewis Cine. Three trades in the first two rounds netted the Vikings one extra pick. Despite the questionable early movement, I liked the end results. At least, I liked the end results at the time. I really thought that Cine, Andrew Booth, Brian Asamoah II, Akayleb Evans, and Esezi Otomewo were the young additions the defense desperately needed. Ed Ingram was an immediate starter at right guard. Ty Chandler, Jalen Nailor, and Nick Muse were intriguing offensive play-makers. Vederian Lowe looked like a promising late-round offensive lineman. I’m typically optimistic and I thought this draft was filled with potential. 

Those hopeful thoughts didn’t last long. 

1. Lewis Cine never recovered from the brutal broken leg suffered while covering a Week 4 kick against the New Orleans Saints in London. It was an injury so severe that he couldn’t travel home with the team. He spent his 23rd birthday in a London hospital while his team practiced for Week 5 in Eagan. Cine played in 10 games with the Vikings over two seasons.

2. Andrew Booth Jr. was traded to the Dallas Cowboys after two seasons and two starts in Minnesota.

2. If one is looking at starts, Ed Ingram was, by far, the most productive of the Vikings 2022 draft picks. He had 41 starts over three seasons in Minnesota. After three years of wildly inconsistent play the Vikings traded him to the Houston Texans. 

3. Brian Asamoah II had a few flash plays as a rookie in a backup linebacker role. He felt like an emerging player heading into his second season. That stalled with a training camp injury and the emergence of undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. Asamoah stuck on the roster for three seasons with little more than a special teams role. 

4. Pretty much from the start, Akayleb Evans looked like a more promising corner than Andrew Booth Jr. He even claimed a starting role in his second season. It didn’t last long as he was off the roster in his third season. 

5. Esezi Otomewo made a few plays toward the end of his rookie season. He didn’t have a second season in Minnesota. 

5. Ty Chandler was mostly a special teams player and situational runner over the entirety of his contract with the Vikings. His most shining moments came during his second season with four starts and a 100-yard game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

6. Vederian Lowe was traded to the New England Patriots before his second season with the Vikings.

6. Jalen Nailor may have been the best pick of this draft. After battling a series of injuries in his first couple of seasons, he emerged as an impactful third receiver. His departure in the first wave of free agency last week was both disappointing and expected. 

7. For three seasons with the Vikings, Nick Muse had a mostly yo-yo existence between the practice squad and the active roster. After being released late in the 2024 season, Muse was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles just in time for a Super Bowl-winning run. 

10 players drafted by the Vikings. 0 players signed to a second contract by the Vikings. Only Ty Chandler and Jalen Nailor even made it to the end of their rookie contract with the Vikings. Nailor and Ed Ingram received decent to strong second contracts with the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans respectively. Brian Asamoah II, Akayleb Evans, Esezi Otomewo, Ty Chandler, and Vederian Lowe are making their way in the league with other teams. Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr. are out of the league. Again, the Vikings top two picks in the 2022 NFL Draft are no longer in the league. 

Heading into the fifth season since that 2022 NFL Draft, the 10 players selected are no longer on the Minnesota Vikings roster. Only Ed Ingram, Ty Chandler, and Jalen Nailor made anything that can be considered a contribution. The 10 players combined for 82 starts. 82 starts! That’s an average of just over two starts per season for each player. Ingram had half of those 82 starts. Nailor was the only player even remotely deserving of a second contract. The Vikings decided they couldn’t match what the Raiders were offering. 

That 2022 Vikings draft is a draft that can’t ever be repeated. 

Favorite Football Flicks

This post was originally posted prior to the Academy Awards in 2018. It's been re-posted on several occasion since. Basically, it's been re-posted every time football flicks have been on my mind. These are very strange times. Times that call for a football flick. Here are 21 of my favorites. 

21. The Waterboy (1998)

A guilty pleasure movie. The football action is outrageous. 

20. Semi-Tough (1977)
A new addition to the list. Dan Jenkins' book is far more entertaining than the movie but the movie is still fun. Plus, former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Kapp is in it. He plays a quarterback named Hose. Gotta love it. 

19. Leatherheads (2008)

This movie depicting the very early days of professional football would probably be higher on the list if I hadn't entered into it with such high hopes. It's an entertaining movie but probably one that I need to see again.

18. The Express (2008) 

The tragic story of Ernie Davis. It might be higher if not for some liberties taken with the accuracy of those times. Like Art Modell being the Browns owner in the 1950s.

17. Invincible (2006)

The improbable football career of NFL-walk-on Vince Papale. Who doesn't love an underdog story like this?

16. All The Right Moves (1983)

The most amazing thing about this movie is Tom Cruise playing cornerback. 

15. Rudy (1993)
Some people love this movie. Others hate it. I guess that I'm somewhere in the middle in liking it. 

14. When The Game Stands Tall (2015)

You just knew that someone was going to make a movie about the incredible story of coach Bob Ladouceur and the De La Salle High Spartans. This was a nicely done look at the season that saw the loss that ended their 151-game win streak as well as the win that was arguably the greatest in school history. 

13. We Are Marshall (2006)

The remarkable rise of a town, a university, and a football team from a devastating plane crash. A great story. 

12. Any Given Sunday (1999)

Oliver Stone with a football movie? Never would have pegged that pairing. 

11. The Longest Yard (1974)

It's a classic. And Joe Kapp's in it. And Ray Nitschke. 

10. The Program (1993)

Despite being a fictional story it probably touches frighteningly close to the truth.

9.  Draft Day (2014)

Some of the trades are ridiculous but it's a very entertaining look at the greatest non-playing day on the football calendar. 

8.  Brian's Song (1971)

This one set the bar for tear-jerker football movies. Great story. Memorable performances. 

7.  Knute Rockne: All-American

A timeless look at one of football's great coaches. 

6.  Everybody's All-American (1988) 

Adapted from the terrific book by Frank Deford. A great but depressing movie. 

5.  Paper Lion (1968)

Another movie adapted from a terrific book. Alan Alda is excellent as George Plimpton. So excellent that I often picture Alda when I think of Plimpton. 

4.  Heaven Can Wait (1978)

A fine remake of Here Come's Mr. Jordan (1941) with a football spin. There was a time, a long time ago, when this was my favorite movie of any genre. 

3.  Undefeated (2011)

This is probably the only football movie to take home an Academy Award. It won for Best Documentary. A great story. A great movie. 

2.  Remember The Titans (2000) 

Great movie. Entertaining movie. You have Denzel Washington but you also have unknown youngsters like Ryan Gosling, Donald Faison, and Hayden Panettiere. 

1.  Friday Night Lights (2006)

Buzz Bissinger's book was outstanding. The movie was good but Friday Night Lights earns the top spot on this list because of the unbelievable television series. They may have lost some traction in the second season but they regained it in the third and never lost it again. This series was one of the best things that I've ever seen on television.

Another Mock Draft

Yesterday, the Denver Broncos overpaid the Miami Dolphins for receiver Jaylen Waddle. In exchange for the receiver, the Broncos sent a first-, a third-, and a fourth-round pick to the Dolphins. That’s a lot of picks for one little receiver. To help offset the overpay a bit, the Broncos do get a fourth-round pick back from the Dolphins. There are, once again, five teams with two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

New York Jets: 2,16

Cleveland Browns: 6,24

Kansas City Chiefs: 9,29

Miami Dolphins: 11,30

Dallas Cowboys: 12,20

About a week ago, the Las Vegas Raiders were one of the five team with two first-round picks. Then, the Maxx Crosby trade fell through. Now, that fifth team is the Dolphins. Despite the overpay, I doubt the Broncos will get cold feet will follow the Ravens and renege on the deal. 

Now, there’s a need for another mock draft. 

1.   Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

2.   New York Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

3.   Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

4.   Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

5.   New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

6.   Cleveland Browns: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

7.   Washington Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

8.   New Orleans Saints: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami 

9.   Kansas City Chiefs: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

11. Miami Dolphins: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

12. Dallas Cowboys: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Falcons): Makai Lemon, WR, USC

14. Baltimore Ravens: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

16. New York Jets (from Colts): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

19. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

25. Chicago Bears: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

26. Buffalo Bills: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

28. Houston Texans: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

30. Miami Dolphins: Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

31. New England Patriots: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

32. Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

Until the next one. 

Top Remaining Free Agents

After a furious first few days of free agency, signings have slowed considerably. After that first wave, the next wave looks to be more like a trickle. Here are some of the best available free agents.

Top Remaining Free Agents

1.   Juaun Jennings, WR

2.   L’Jarius Sneed, CB

3.   Tyreek Hill, WR

4.   Kirk Cousins, QB

5.   Taylor Decker, OT

6.   Deebo Samuel, WR

7.   David Njoku, TE

8.   Kyle Dugger, S

9.   A.J. Epenesa, DL

10. Wyatt Teller, G

11. Cameron Jordan, Edge

12. D.J. Reader, DL

13. Joey Bosa, Edge

14. Jonnu Smith, TE

15. Hollywood Brown, WR

16. Stefon Diggs, WR

17. Trevon Diggs, CB

18. Bobby Okereke, LB

19. Calais Campbell, DL

20. Joel Bitonio, G

21. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge

22. Haason Reddick, Edge

23. Brian Robinson Jr., RB

24. Kevin Zeitler, G

25. Darren Waller, TE

26.. Kyle Van Noy, Edge

27. Lloyd Cushenberry, C

28. Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge

29. Logan Wilson, LB

30. Kenneth Murray, LB

Some bargains can be found. 

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Monday

It’s Monday and the start of a new week closer to the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s another Minnesota Vikings mock draft. With last week’s announcement of the compensatory picks, we finally know the draft picks that the Vikings hold.

Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks

1. #18

2. #49

3. #82

3. #97 - compensatory

5. #163 - from Philadelphia Eagles 

6. #196 - from Indianapolis Colts

7. #234 

7. #235 - from Carolina Panthers

7. #244 - from Houston Texans

Another Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

1. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

2. A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

3. Connor Lew, C, Auburn

3. Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

5. Zane Durant, DL, Penn State 

6. John Michael Gyllenborg, TE, Wyoming

7. Kade Wetjen, WR, Iowa

7. Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson

7. Brett Thorson, P, Georgia

I can’t seem to fit a linebacker into very many of these damn mock drafts. It’s become a pattern. With every mock attempted, I try to find the following positions.

Cornerback

Safety

Center 

Running Back

Defensive Lineman

Linebacker

Receiver

Tight End

With nine picks, it should be easy to address eight positions. I can’t seem to do it. In this draft, I failed to find a linebacker. As often as linebacker, the missing position is tight end. I guess there’s never enough picks to address every position. 

It’s early and I’ve already fallen for several players in the 2026 Draft.

Dillion Thieneman, S Oregon

Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech

Gracen Halton, DL, Oklahoma

Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana 

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh

Connor Lew, C, Auburn

Logan Jones, C, Iowa

Brian Parker II, C, Duke

Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska

Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas

Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa

I wish that I could jam all of the above players into a Vikings draft.