100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 40-31

The Flea Flicker countdown of the 100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players continues with players ranked 40-31. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 40-31

  40. Tommy Kramer, QB

  39. Chad Greenway, LB

  38. Jeff Siemon, LB

  37. Dalvin Cook, RB

  36. Daunte Culpepper, QB

  35. Everson Griffen, DE

  34. Ed White, OG

  33. Scott Studwell, LB

  32. Anthony Carter, WR

  31. Jim Kleinsasser, TE

If only Tommy Kramer had better luck with injuries. It seemed that whenever he was hitting his stride he was sidelined with an injury. “Two-Minute Tommy” was a fun quarterback. He had the passing talent to be a great quarterback.

Jeff Siemon was probably the only Viking that played well in Super Bowl XI. It felt like he made every tackle and there were a lot of tackles to make. He was a terrific linebacker throughout the 1970s. 

Injuries is the only thing that will keep Dalvin Cook from climbing further up this list. 

Injuries kept Tommy Kramer from being the franchise quarterback that he was drafted to be. Daunte Culpepper was well on his way to being the Vikings first franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton. A knee injury ended that progression. His 2004 season was ridiculous. 

Ed White and Ron Yary formed the best right-side in Vikings history. White deserved more than four Pro Bowls and he deserved All-Pro status. He played to those levels for most of his 17-year career. If he’d received the season honors that he deserved, he’d receive the Hall of Fame consideration that he deserves. 

Scott Studwell played and worked for the Vikings for so long that it feels like he was on the original 1961 team. 

Anthony Carter flashed across the Vikings football landscape. It can be surprising that he played nine seasons in Minnesota. Carter’s best season was the strike-shortened 1987 season when he averaged a ridiculous 24.3 yards per catch. His performance against the 49ers in the 1987 playoffs was one of the greatest in Vikings franchise history. The 49ers run of Super Bowl titles was supposed to start that season and Carter took their defense apart. 10 catches, 227 yards, and a run of 30 yards. He was a brilliant, fun receiver. 

Some might see #31 as a little high for Jim Kleinsasser. Few players in Vikings franchise history played their position as well as Kleinsasser played his. In that case, #31 is low. His position was blocking tight end. He played the position like an offensive lineman. A very good offensive lineman. He did all of the things that made it possible for players like Daunte Culpepper, Chester Taylor, Adrian Peterson, Brett Favre, and Percy Harvin to do what they did. Prior to the 1999 NFL Draft, I read a draft profile of Kleinsasser that noted, “If he gets his hands on you, it’s over.” That’s the sort of thing that’s said of an offensive lineman. Kleinsasser blocked like an offensive lineman. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 50-41

The Flea Flicker countdown of the 100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players continues with players ranked 50-41. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 50-41

  50. Xavier Rhodes, CB

  49. Adam Thielen, WR

  48. Carl Lee, CB

  47. Dave Osborn, RB

  46. Grady Alderman, OT

  45. Tommy Mason, RB

  44. Kirk Cousins, QB

  43. Henry Thomas, DT

  42. Bobby Bryant, CB

  41. Justin Jefferson, WR

At his peak, Xavier Rhodes was the best cover corner in the league. I only wish that peak had lasted longer. 

Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs put on a weekly route-running tutorial. They were so much fun together. I wish that the pairing could’ve lasted longer. Thielen is an excellent receiver and his path to receiving stardom is great.

There are a lot of former Vikings players that could be the next member of the team’s Ring of Honor. In my opinion, the next member should be Grady Alderman. I think that he should be the next member simply because he’s been waiting longer than anybody. He was the left tackle on the first Vikings team. He was the team’s left tackle for more than a decade. Six Pro Bowls. One All-Pro. 

One of the great mysteries of the franchise’s official 50 Greatest Vikings was Tommy Mason not being on it. He was the team’s first draft pick. He and Fran Tarkenton were the team’s first stars. I visited the Vikings Museum in 2019. I was surprised and ecstatic to find a display devoted to Mason. He deserves it. He also deserves greater appreciation from the Vikings and the fans for his Vikings career. 

I’ve always wondered if Kirk Cousins would get less grief if he wasn’t such a goofy guy. His statistics are elite level. The only legitimate knock to his game is the occasional bad game. All quarterbacks have an occasional bad game but a Cousins bad game is a really bad game. I believe that it would take a Super Bowl win for Cousins to be embraced by the majority of Vikings fans. There are some that would still find a reason to bitch about him.

Henry Thomas played in the shadow of Chris Doleman and Keith Millard on the Vikings defensive lines of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Thomas racked up 56 sacks over his eight years in Minnesota. His 93.5 career sacks is an impressive number for a player that often lined up on the center. Hall of Fame impressive?

Justin Jefferson is simply resting at #41. He’s flying up this list. He’s only played two seasons! He’s only 22 years old! Incredible. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 60-51

The Flea Flicker countdown of the 100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players continues with players ranked 60-51. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 60-51

  60. Jeff Christy, C

  59. Ed McDaniel, LB

  58. Tim Irwin, OT

  57. EJ Henderson, LB

  56. John Gilliam, WR

  55. Gary Larsen, DT

  54. Anthony Barr, LB

  53. Stefon Diggs, WR

  52. Matt Birk, C

  51. Sammy White, WR

Jeff Christy ranks behind the great Mick Tingelhoff and Matt Birk in the Vikings long, strong center tradition. 

Ed McDaniel was always a favorite of mine. The Vikings defense wasn’t great in the late 1990s but they were strong up the middle with John Randle, McDaniel, and Robert Griffith. 

Tim Irwin=steady and dependable. He received zero league-wide accolades during his long starting run in Minnesota. Still, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings. 

Anthony Barr is the epitome of Mike Zimmer’s team defense. If he’d been drafted by a team that simply sent him after the quarterback on every snap, he’d probably have a much more recognizable career and sizable stat sheet. He’s been a very good, often great, football player but he’ll never receive the appreciation from Vikings fans that he deserves. 

The days that Stefon Diggs, Percy Harvin, and Randy Moss were traded were three of the saddest days of my Vikings life. I loved watching Diggs play the receiver position. His route-running. His pass-catching. His energy. His passion. He was a blast. The fact that Justin Jefferson is now in Minnesota makes it easier to see Stefon Diggs in Buffalo. 

The receiver position has always been my favorite. It’s the position I played. It’s the position I’m drawn to the most. The Vikings have a terrific receiver tradition. Sammy White was one of my first favorite receivers. His pairing with Ahmad Rashad was a great one. Until the Carters, White and Rashad was my favorite Vikings receiving duo. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 70-61

The Flea Flicker countdown of the 100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players continues with players ranked 70-61. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 70-61

  70. Todd Steussie, OT

  69. Robert Griffith, S

  68. Gene Washington, WR

  67. Doug Martin, DE

  66. Ryan Longwell, K 

  65. Wally Hilgenberg, LB

  64. Linval Joseph, DT

  63. Korey Stringer, OT

  62. Pat Williams, DT

  61. Karl Kassulke, S

Doug Martin and #94 Mark Mullaney had the unfortunate task of being drafted to replace members of the Purple People Eaters. Martin came the closest to doing so. He led the league with 11.5 sacks during the strike-shortened season of 1982. Martin’s 61.5 sacks rank 8th on the Vikings all-time sacks list. Mullaney is 14th with 41.5.

Imagine where Ryan Longwell would be on this list if he’d had that opportunity to kick the Vikings to the Super Bowl in 2009. I probably fretted less over Longwell’s kicks than any kicker in my time with the team. That goes back to the days of Fred Cox. 

Following #75 Lonnie Warwick and #73 Roy Winston, Wally Hilgenberg is the third of the linebacker trio that played in the giant shadow of the Purple People Eaters. Hilgenberg was the best known and most productive of the three linebackers. 

Linval Joseph and Pat Williams were the space-eaters, block-eaters, running game-wreckers of a couple excellent defensive lines. It’s a damn shame that Jospeh never had a tackle partner like Williams had with Kevin Williams. 

Karl Kassulke had his career cut short by a motorcycle accident while on his way to training camp in 1973. He and Paul Krause formed one of the best safety pairings in Vikings history. Kassulke was the linebacker-like hitter. Krause was the roving centerfielder. 

RIP Korey Stringer. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 80-71

The Flea Flicker countdown of the 100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players continues with players ranked 80-71. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 80-71

  80. Bryant McKinnie, OT

  79. Chester Taylor, RB

  78. Percy Harvin, WR

  77. Ed Sharockman, CB

  76. Nate Wright, CB

  75. Lonnie Warwick, LB

  74. Greg Coleman, P

  73. Roy Winston, LB

  72. Chris Kluwe, P

  71. Brian Robison, DE

Bryant McKinnie had the physical talents to be one of the best offensive tackles of his era. Or any era. More often than not, he didn’t seem to care about much on the field. He and Dwayne Rudd are the most frustrating Vikings players during my lifetime as a fan. McKinnie for his apparent apathy. Rudd for his self-interest and self-celebration. McKinnie still played well enough to be #80 on this list. Imagine where he’d be if he’d played to his enormous talent. Rudd didn’t play long enough or well enough for the Vikings. 

Percy Harvin should be higher on this list. To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure why he isn’t. It just seemed to fall this way. Perhaps it’s the shortness of his time in Minnesota. Perhaps it’s the disappointment and frustration with his departure. Who knows? Despite being a Top 25 talent he falls to #77. He was a fun football player. 

Nate Wright is best known for being the player shoved to the ground by Drew Pearson in the 1975 playoffs. Despite that unfortunate play, Wright was one of the best corners in Vikings franchise history.

Two punters in this group. I go back and forth between Greg Coleman and Chris Kluwe for title of best punter in Vikings franchise history. Coleman was a really fun punter. Or as fun as a punter can be. Kluwe was a really good punter. 

Lonnie Warwick and Roy Winston were two-thirds of the linebacker trio that played in the giant shadow of the Purple People Eaters. Warwick, Winston, and Wally Hilgenberg were a solid trio. 

Brian Robison is an example of a player getting a boost on this list for the person that he is. He was a terrific football player but he was also really great with the fans. He still is. His “96 Questions” was a blast. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 90-81

The Flea Flicker countdown of the 100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players continues with players ranked 90-81. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 90-81

  90. Joe Kapp, QB

  89. C.J. Ham, FB

  88. Darrin Nelson, RB

  87. Ben Leber, LB

  86. Milt Sunde, OG

  85. Mitch Berger, P

  84. Rickey Young, RB

  83. Phil Loadholt, OT

  82. Wade Wilson, QB

  81. Orlando Thomas, S

Joe Kapp was the Cal football coach during my school days on the Berkeley campus. He’s a personal favorite due to his playing and coaching days at Cal and his too-brief playing career with the Vikings. He was never the prettiest quarterback (other than his 7-touchdown day) but he sure was a fun quarterback. 

It’s easy to like fullbacks. They do the dirty work so that the bright, shiny players can get the glory. C.J. Ham is one of the best fullbacks in franchise history. Ham is the first of the current Vikings to appear on this list. 

Darrin Nelson might be best remembered by Vikings fans for not being Marcus Allen. I’m not sure if the Vikings decision-makers had Chuck Foreman in mind when they drafted him over Allen. Nelson might’ve been that sort of player at Stanford. He wasn’t built to be that sort of player in the NFL. I always liked Nelson but he wasn’t going to be the type of running back that the Vikings drafted him to be. 

Ben Leber was an easy football player to like. He was always steady. He was always around the ball. And he made a lot of big plays. He was the third linebacker to EJ Henderson and Chad Greenway. That was a great linebacking trio. Leber may have been the trio leader in big plays. 

Rickey Young is probably higher on my list than most lists of Vikings greats. He was an excellent pass-catching back. His best rushing season was 1979 with 708 yards. His reception totals were ridiculous for a back. 88, 72, and 64 over his first three years in Minnesota. His 88 receptions in 1978 led the league.  

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 100-91

With about two months to pass until training camp, I decided to rank the 100 Greatest Players in the history of the Minnesota Vikings. The franchise has had a lot of great players over it’s 61 years in the NFL. 13 of the players are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A few others should be. A handful more will be. As with any list like this it’s very subjective. It’s how I see the greatest players in Vikings history and the order can change daily, even hourly. It’s a very fluid thing. The following is how I see it now. Hopefully, I can refrain from tinkering with the order during the course of the reveal. The countdown to #1 starts today with the players ranked from 100-91. The reveal will continue over the next nine days. 

100 Greatest Minnesota Vikings Players: 100-91

100. Randall Cunningham, QB

  99. Brett Favre, QB

  98. Joe Senser, TE

  97. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR/KR

  96. Lance Johnstone, DE

  95. Terry Allen, RB

  94. Mark Mullaney, DE

  93. Paul Flatley, WR

  92. David Dixon, OG

  91. Ted Brown, RB

Randall Cunningham and Brett Favre kick off this list. Each had one great season for the Vikings. Despite arguments from Fran Tarkenton and Daunte Culpepper, the greatest quarterbacking seasons in franchise history were Cunningham in 1998 and Favre in 2009. My goodness, those seasons were a blast. Those seasons have to be recognized and I’m including Cunningham and Favre in my first two spots of the Top 100. If only each had guided the Vikings to that final game. 

One of the great “What if’s” in Vikings history is tight end Joe Senser. He played during the era of Dave Casper, Kellen Winslow, Todd Christensen, and Ozzie Newsome. He had 42 catches for 447 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie in 1980. He exploded for 79 catches for 1004 yards, and eight touchdowns in 1981. In only two seasons he had played his way into the orbit of those great tight ends. Then we had the sad strike-shortened season of 1982. Senser missed the 1983 season with a knee injury. He was never the same and his career was over after the 1984 season. If not for that injury, who knows what his career would’ve been? He seemed unstoppable in 1981 and it felt like he was just getting started. Chuck Foreman, Keith Millard, Joey Browner, Terry Allen, Teddy Bridgewater. The Vikings have had several players with promising, even Hall of Fame caliber, careers cut short by injuries. All teams have. Injuries will always be an unfortunate part of football. Joe Senser could’ve been an all-time great. Not just a Vikings all-time great but a league all-time great. For what he did before the knee injury cut short his career, he’s #98.

Speaking of Terry Allen, it feels like he should be higher. He had two 1,000-yard seasons during his four seasons in Minnesota. He missed a season to injury. If he’d done in Minnesota what he continued to do in Washington, he’d be much higher on this list.  

If Cordarrelle Patterson ever learned to run a route and be where he was supposed to be, he’d still be in Minnesota. He’d also be in the top half of this list. He’s one of the greatest kick returners in league history. He was a blast with the ball in his hands. Because Patterson could never be relied upon to do what he was supposed to do on offense he goes down as one of the most frustrating players in Vikings history. 

NFL First Round Signing Tracker

The 2022 NFL Draft isn’t even a month old and teams have been plowing through the work of getting their draft picks signed. Nearly all of the first round picks have signed their first NFL contract. 

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia-Signed

2.   Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan-Signed

3.   Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU-Signed

4.   New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati-Signed

5.   New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon-Signed

6.   Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekonwu, OT, North Carolina State-Signed

7.   New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama-Signed

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC-Signed

9.   Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State-Signed

11. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State-Signed

12. Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama-Signed

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia-Signed

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

15. Houston Texans: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M-Signed

16. Washington Commanders: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State-Signed

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

18. Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas-Signed

19. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa-Signed

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington-Signed

22. Green Bay Packers: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia-Signed

23. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida-Signed

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa-Signed

25. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

26. New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State-Signed

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah-Signed

28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia-Signed

29. New England Patriots: Cole Strange, OG, Tennessee-Chattanooga 

30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue-Signed

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan-Signed

32. Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia-Signed

***

26/32 signed. 

Teams are making quick work of signing the first-round picks. 

The Minnesota Vikings had a flurry of signings the days before their rookie mini-camp. Six of their 10 draft picks signed their first NFL contracts over about 48 hours. It’s been signing silence since. 

Vikings Rookie Signings:

1. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia-Signed

2. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

2. Ed Ingram, G, LSU

3. Brian Asomoah, LB, Oklahoma

4. Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri

5. Esezi Otomeco, DL, Minnesota-Signed

5. Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina-Signed

6. Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois-Signed

6. Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State-Signed

7. Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina-Signed

 

Minnesota Vikings Position Competitions

If the first couple full-squad practices of the offseason are any indication, the Minnesota Vikings have a single position up for grabs. Right guard. That was the only position with any sort of rotation of players with the first team. That was expected. It’s not unusual for rookies to start their professional football careers on the sideline observing those with experience. It’s May. We’re still closer to last year’s Super Bowl than this year’s season openers. The Vikings will have more than one position up for grabs. Some of the rookies will compete with veterans for starting jobs. There will be roster surprises. There always are. Here’s a look at some Vikings positions that will have or might have competition this summer. 

Right Guard

The one open job? 

Free agent additions Jesse Davis and Chris Reed rotated with the first team during the first full-squad practices. They currently top the list of players that may have a shot at the right guard job. 

The potential contenders:

Jesse Davis

Chris Reed

Ed Ingram

Wyatt Davis

Austin Schlottman

Kyle Hinton

Davis and Reed might be getting the first team reps in these first full-squad practices of the offseason. I have Ed Ingram eventually securing the starting right guard job in training camp. He was a second-round pick in the first draft of the Vikings new decision-makers. The most-repeated criticism of that draft was that those decision-makers picked a third-round guard in the second round. That’s a pretty stupid criticism simply because the draft wannabes that do the criticizing don’t decide which players go in which round. The Vikings saw a drop-off at guard after Ingram. In their book, he was a second-round guard so they selected him in the second round. One of the free agent veterans could keep Ingram on the sideline. Hell, 2021 third-round pick Wyatt Davis could rebound from a redshirt rookie year, come from the back of the pack, and win the right guard job. Many things can happen with the position. Until I see differently, I think that Ingram’s the most talented of the contenders. If he plays to that talent, I think that the right guard job will be his. 

Backup Quarterback

Sean Mannion vs. Kellen Mond

It’s often been said that Sean Mannion is great with Kirk Cousins. That he’s terrific in the quarterback room. That he’s like another coach. Mannion’s play against the Green Bay Packers last season wakes me up at night. Simply brutal. It’s a real good thing that Cousins is remarkably durable. Other than a Week 17 rest in 2019, he’s only missed a game to COVID stupidity in his four years with the Vikings. It is my sincere hope that Kellen Mond is the team’s backup quarterback moving forward. 

Wide Receiver

The top of the Vikings receiver group is set.

Justin Jefferson

Adam Thielen

K.J. Osborn

If K.J. Osborn can improve on his break-out second season, the Vikings have a strong top three. From there, it’s wide open.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette 

Olabisi Johnson

Dan Chisena

Jalen Nailor

I like Ihmir Smith-Marsette as #4. He might even challenge Osborn for #3 status. Olabisi Johnson has been productive but he’s coming off a training camp ACL tear that wiped out his 2021 season. He’ll be challenged by Dan Chisena and rookie Jalen Nailor. Chisena has made the roster each of the past two seasons for his play on special teams. He might need to show that he can add something on offense if he’s to make the roster a third season. Jalen Nailor will probably be in the running for the punt return job. That could be his path to the 53-man roster. 

Cornerback

The Vikings cornerback group has undergone quite the evolution this offseason. 

In March:

Cameron Dantzler

Kris Boyd

Harrison Hand

Parry Nickerson

In May:

Patrick Peterson

Cameron Dantzler

Andrew Booth Jr.

Akayleb Evans

Chandon Sullivan

Kris Boyd

Harrison Hand

Nate Hairston

Tye Smith

Parry Nickerson

In both quantity and quality, the group has greatly improved. Patrick Peterson and Tye Smith were re-signed. Chandon Sullivan and Nate Hairston signed as free agents. Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans were added through the draft. Peterson is the unquestioned leader of the group. He’s also penciled in as one of the starters. Then the competitions start. The competition to start opposite Peterson is between Dantzler and Booth. Dantzler will enter training camp in the lead. He’s had an up and down two years in the league. His highs have been pretty high but he’s had some low moments (see 2020 Seattle and 2021 Detroit). He has the talent to be a high-end starter. He really just has to play more consistently. Booth starts his first professional offseason recovering from surgery. If he can put the injuries that peppered his college career behind him, he has the talent to be an immediate impact player. The Vikings are being careful with him through the offseason workouts. If he can start training camp on the field and stay on the field, I think that he passes Dantzler before the season starts. Even if Booth doesn’t emerge from training camp as a starter, he should be part of some sort of corner rotation. He’s too talented to be on the sideline. No matter how the competition between Dantzler and Booth plays out this season, the two and Evans project as the future of the Vikings cornerbacks. 

At a glance, the nickel corner competition is probably between the free agent additions. Chandon Sullivan and Nate Hairston. Sullivan has much more experience and is probably the favorite for the job. With the new coaches and scheme changes, the Vikings defense moving forward is all guesses at the moment. When there are extra defensive backs on the field that extra player may be a safety as often as corner. 

The top five cornerbacks on the roster look set.

Patrick Peterson

Cameron Dantzler

Andrew Booth Jr.

Chandon Sullivan

Akayleb Evans

Kris Boyd, Nate Hairston, and Harrison Hand are the top contenders for probably one roster spot. For his play on special teams, I currently have Boyd as the favorite. 

Safety

Prior to the draft, I was a big fan of the Vikings potential safety pairing of Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum. Then Lewis Cine was selected with the 32nd pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. I hadn’t even considered a safety in the first round since I was such a fan of the Smith-Bynum pairing. Now, I can’t think of anything but the possibilities that these three safeties provide for the Vikings defense. Cine is too talented, too versatile, too explosive to not be the starter with Smith. 

I guess that I don’t actually see a safety competition but I do see three safeties competing. For nearly all of Harrison Smith’s years in Minnesota I dreamed of a top-notch safety talent paired with him. Finally, during the latter years of his career, he finally has safety partners that approach his tremendous talent. Jamarca Sanford, Andrew Sendejo, and Xavier Woods all had some nice moments but none had the talent of Cine or even Bynum. I can not wait to see Smith, Cine, and Bynum on the field together. 

Kicker

Greg Joseph vs. Gabe Brkic

The veteran often has the edge in these kicking competitions. I’m not so sure if Joseph has much of an edge in this one. He’s been around the league since 2018 but he’s actually been a team’s kicker for only two seasons. One of those seasons was last season in Minnesota. Despite some significant misses, he had a solid season. The new coaches didn’t really inherit him as the new decision-makers did re-sign him. The things that typically favor the veteran aren’t firmly on Joseph’s side. I like Joseph. For no particular reason, I like him more than any of the team’s recent kickers. I’m just so tired of Vikings kickers missing big kicks. I’m tired of Vikings kickers missing extra points. Perhaps a more relaxed coaching staff without the stink of past kicking atrocities will create a more conducive environment. We can only hope. 

Punter

Jordan Berry vs. Ryan Wright

The veteran often has the edge in these punting competitions. Sounds familiar. Jordan Berry had a solid single season in Minnesota. Sounds familiar. Berry was also re-signed by the team’s new decision-makers. The Vikings kicking and punting competitions are very similar. One difference between the two competitions is that Berry has had a long, strong punting career. 

It’s easy to go with the veterans in each of the specialist competitions. It’s also pretty easy to go with the rookies. Having not seen either rookie do their thing as professionals, it’d be irresponsible to guess the outcome of the competitions. Despite that, I currently like the veteran kicker and rookie punter. Tomorrow, I might feel different. 

Punt Returner

We probably won’t know all of the punt return contenders until training camp. At the moment, I expect the role to be the path to the roster for a particular rookie receiver. Jalen Nailor. 

The Viking return to the field this week for OTA #2. Most of the attention will be on the right guard competition, the rookies, and the number of snaps Dalvin Cook takes at receiver. 

All-Time Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

As I continue to wait for news on the next Minnesota Vikings roster I can’t help but think about past Vikings rosters. Here’s a stab at a roster of the best players in franchise history. 

Minnesota Vikings All-Time 53-Man Roster

Offense

Quarterbacks
Fran Tarkenton
Daunte Culpepper
Tommy Kramer

With another strong season, Kirk Cousins will have done enough to bump Daunte Culpepper or Tommy Kramer. Cousins probably already has done enough but I have a hard time bumping either Culpepper or Kramer. 

Halfbacks
Adrian Peterson
Chuck Foreman
Robert Smith

Fullback
Bill Brown

Receivers
Cris Carter
Randy Moss
Ahmad Rashad
Anthony Carter
Adam Thielen
Justin Jefferson 

Six is a little receiver heavy. I’d rather trim an offensive lineman (Tim Irwin) rather than go without one of these six receivers. 

Tight Ends
Steve Jordan
Kyle Rudolph
Jim Kleinsasser

Tackles
Ron Yary
Gary Zimmerman
Grady Alderman

Guards
Randall McDaniel
Steve Hutchinson
Ed White

Centers
Mick Tingelhoff
Matt Birk

Defense

Defensive Ends
Carl Eller
Chris Doleman
Jim Marshall
Jared Allen

Danielle Hunter

Defensive Tackles
Alan Page
John Randle
Keith Millard
Kevin Williams

Linebackers
Matt Blair

Eric Kendricks

Anthony Barr

Chad Greenway
Scott Studwell
Matt Blair

Cornerbacks
Antoine Winfield
Xavier Rhodes
Carl Lee
Bobby Bryant
Nate Wright

Safeties
Paul Krause
Joey Browner
Harrison Smith
Robert Griffith

Special Teams

Kicker
Ryan Longwell

Punter
Chris Kluwe

Long Snapper
Cullen Loeffler

Kick Returner
Cordarrelle Pattereson

Punt Returner
Marcus Sherels

2022 Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

The Minnesota Vikings have a new coaching staff. With the players added to the roster over the past few months it’s easy to forget those new coaches. New head coach Kevin O’Connell put together an interesting staff. 

2022 Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell

Assistant Head Coach: Mike Pettine

Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips

Defensive Coordinator: Ed Donatell

Special Teams Coordinator: Matt Daniels

Offense:

Quarterbacks: Chris O’Hara

Assistant Quarterbacks: Jerrod Johnson 

Run Game Coordinator/Running Backs: Curtis Modkins

Receivers: Keenan McCardell

Assistant Receivers/Quality Control: Tony Sorrentino

Pass Game Coodinator/Tight Ends: Brian Angelichio

Offensive Line: Chris Kuper

Assistant Offensive Line: Justin Rascati

Pass Game Specialist/Game Management Coordinator: Ryan Cordell

Quality Control: Derron Montgomery

Assistant to the Head Coach/Special Projects: Grant Udinski

Defense:

Defensive Line: Chris Rumph

Assistant Defensive Line: A’Lique Terry

Outside Linebackers/Pass Rush Specialist: Mike Smith

Inside Linebackers: Greg Manusky

Assistant Linebackers: Sam Siefkes

Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones

Assistant Defensive Backs: Roy Anderson

Quality Control: Steve Donatell

Special Teams:

Assistant Special Teams: Ben Kotwica

Strength & Conditioning:

Head Strength & Conditioning: Josh Hingst

Assistant Strength & Conditioning: Marquis Johnson

Assistant Strength & Conditioning: Derik Keyes

***

The following are hold-overs from the 2021 Vikings coaching staff. 

Keenan McCardell

Roy Anderson

Sam Siefkes

The entire Strength & Conditioning crew

Breakdown of the coaches:

Total: 28

Offense: 12 (13, counting Kevin O’Connell)

Defense: 9 (10, counting Mike Pettine)

Special Teams: 2

Strength & Conditioning: 3

Grant Udinski was O’Connell’s last coaching hire. Udinski is listed as assistant to the head coach, and listed here as an offensive coach. He shouldn’t be considered solely an offensive coach as his special projects are probably an organization-wide thing. 

When I see the size of today’s NFL coaching staffs I can’t help but think of the coaching staffs of Bud Grant’s day. Those were often about a quarter the size. When Grant was a player, NFL staffs often numbered two or three coaches.

The coaching hires that intrigue me the most:

It starts with Kevin O’Connell. When the Vikings coaching search started, I was convinced that the next head coach had to be an offensive head coach. It was partly the deal of hoping for a head coach that was the opposite of the last one. It was mostly because I was hoping for some offensive consistency. One of the biggest problems of the past eight seasons was the revolving door of offensive coordinators. If the head coach is essentially the offensive coordinator, the offensive system and the voice in the quarterback’s head isn’t going anywhere. Despite all of that, when the Vikings decision-makers started the head coach interviews, defensive coaches Raheem Morris and DeMeco Ryans emerged as my favorites for the job. O’Connell was a tick behind them because I really had no sense of him. Since he didn’t call the plays, I had no feel for his contributions to the Rams offense. I knew him better as the San Diego State and journeyman NFL quarterback. As the interviews continued, I looked into him more. As the search entered the finalist stage, he was my favorite. Even over Jim Harbaugh. Especially over Jim Harbaugh. O’Connell has done nothing but impress me more since he became the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

Ed Donatell 

Defensive coordinator was O’Connell’s most important hire. Ed Donatell was hired as the defensive coordinator before O’Connell was officially hired as the head coach. That was a little weird. Donatell’s coaching experience is outstanding. His enthusiasm is contagious. I look forward to seeing his defense. I look forward to his press conferences. It’s going to be fun. 

Keenan McCardell

I was hoping, praying that he’d return. When Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson expressed their support for Keenan McCardell, I was nearly certain of his return. McCardell is just getting started with these receivers. 

Daronte Jones

I was disappointed when Daronte Jones left last offseason for the LSU defensive coordinator job. I was happy to see him return. I hope his second stint in Minnesota is longer than the first. 

Chris Kuper 

My dream offensive line coach for the Vikings was Mike Munchak. Instead, the Vikings hired his protégé. 

Chris Kuper is ready to coach his own offensive line. I can’t wait to see the results. 

Mike Smith

The only thing that I don’t like about the hiring of Mike Smith is that I believe that he might be close to coordinating his own defense. That would be great for him. Hopefully, the Vikings edge players get him for at least a couple seasons. 

Jerrod Johnson

Jerrod Johnson is “only” the assistant quarterbacks coach but he might be the new Vikings coach that intrigues me the most. I enjoyed watching the coaching climb of Kevin Stefanski from Brad Childress’ assistant to Mike Zimmer’s offensive coordinator. There’s something about Johnson. I believe that there could be a similar climb. I hope that it’s with Minnesota. 

Chris Rumph

Chris Rumph has some big shoes to fill in Minnesota. I’m really going to miss Andre Patterson. He’s arguably the best defensive line coach in the league. I was hoping that he’d stay but he deserves a defensive coordinator job. Hell, he deserves head coach consideration. All of the new Vikings coach have a lot to prove. It isn’t really fair but considering the man that he’s replacing, Rumph might have the most to prove. 

Vikings Diversity Coaching Summit

The NFL has a diversity issue in it’s coaching ranks. Minnesota Vikings assistant head coach Mike Pettine is stepping up and tackling that issue. This week, he and the Vikings opened team headquarters to a coaching diversity workshop. Most of the NFL’s efforts to improve diversity have been to strong arm teams into interviewing minority candidates for head coach, coordinator, and general manager positions. The focus is on the top jobs. Pettine’s project is focused on helping minorities at the entry level of the NFL coaching profession. He’s hoping to give their development a little push and to perhaps increase their opportunities. He’s had the idea for a few years and is finally getting it rolling. He’s doing something where others aren’t and the league hasn’t. 

12 minority coaches participated in a three-day summit that included presentations, group activities, and mock interviews. They also spent time on field with Vikings players during this week’s OTAs. 

From Pettine:

The real basic premise of the program is really to feed the candidate pool for the NFL from the bottom up. I don't think there's enough emphasis placed on the entry-level jobs, which is why the target for these candidates, really, they weren't college position coaches.

These are QCs (quality control coaches) that are analysts, graduate assistants, because … on a lot of NFL staffs, that's the glue. People don't realize how important a lot of those positions are. I do think this establishes a little bit of a different niche than the Bill Walsh fellowship program, because a lot of those jobs and opportunities typically go to college position coaches or college coordinators.

The 12 coaches received hands-on experience with NFL players and coaches, they made contacts, they received feedback. These are coaches that need and deserve an opportunity. Perhaps this program will help them get that opportunity. Perhaps it gives them the tools and/or the incentive to get that opportunity. 

The 12 Coaches:

Imarjaye Albury, Sr.

-worked with the Vikings defensive line and outside linebackers

Currently: Vikings personnel department

Previously: Cortland State (2017), Ave Maria (2018), Arkansas Graduate Assistant (2018-19), Vikings Quality Control-Defense and assistant Defensive Line (2020-21)

Education: West Virginia and Florida International

Reggie Bain

-worked with the Vikings offensive line

Currently: University of Miami Graduate Assistant

Previously: Illinois Graduate Assistant (2021)

Education: Florida Atlantic (bachelor’s), University of Miami (enrolled in master’s program)

Mark Cala

-worked with Vikings quarterbacks

Currently: Arkansas Offensive Analyst

Previously: University of Puget Sound (2015-16), Florida Atlantic (2017), University of Houston (2018), Florida State (2019-20)

Education: University of Puget Sound

Cortez Carter

-worked with Vikings inside linebackers

Currently: Florida State Defensive Analyst

Previously: Brooke Point High School (2015), Marshall University Graduate Assistant (2016-17), Lock Haven University (2018), Memphis Graduate Assistant (2019)

Education: Marshall University and Memphis

Ryan “Chili” Davis

-worked with Vikings receivers and special teams

Currently: Florida A&M Special Teams Coordinator

Previously: Campbell University (2012-15), Louisiana Tech (2015-16), Fordham University (2015), New Mexico State (2017-21), University of Washington (2021), Grambling (2021-April 2022)

Education: Campbell University

Kenji Jackson

-worked with Vikings defensive backs

Currently: Northern Arizona Defensive Backs

Previously: Northwestern Graduate Assistant (2014), Missouri State (2014-20), Arkansas (2020-22)

Education: Missouri and Northwestern

Courtney Love

-worked with Vikings inside linebackers

Currently: Kentucky Director of Player Development

Previously: Kentucky Graduate Assistant (2018)

Education: Nebraska and Kentucky 

Jeremy Modkins

-worked with Vikings defensive backs

Currently: TCU (2014-22)

Education TCU

Jordan Reid

-worked with Vikings receivers

Currently: Wake Forest Graduate Assistant

Previously: Ohio University Graduate Assistant (2019-20)

Education: Ohio University

Ahmad Smith

-worked with Vikings defensive backs

Currently: South Carolina Defensive Analyst

Previously: Indiana State Student Assistant/Graduate Assistant (2014-17), Rose-Holman Institute of Technology (2017-18), Western Kentucky Graduate Assistant (2018-19)

Education: Indiana State and Western Kentucky

Roseanna Smith

-worked with Vikings running backs

Currently: Oberlin College Running Backs and Director of Football Operations

Previously: Winder-Barrow High School (2010-13), Flowery Branch High School (2015-16), Atlanta Phoenix (2020) West Hall High School (2017-21)

Education: Iowa 

Earnest Thomas III

-worked with Vikings defensive backs

Currently: Tennessee Defensive Analyst

Previously: Michigan Elite Football Club (2015-18), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (2017-18), Massachusetts Graduate Assistant (2019-20)

Education: Illinois

***

It’s crazy that a couple of these coaches have been plugging away at the profession longer than Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster: How Did They Get Here?

I might be spending too much time pondering the 90-man roster of the Minnesota Vikings. Here’s a look at how the 90 players were brought to Minnesota. 

Draft: First Round

Harrison Smith (2012)

Garrett Bradbury (2109)

Justin Jefferson (2020)

Christian Darrisaw (2021)

Lewis Cine (2022)

Draft: Second Round

Eric Kendricks (2015)

Dalvin Cook (2017)

Brian O’Neill (2018)

Irv Smith Jr. (2019)

Ezra Cleveland (2020)

Andrew Booth Jr. (2022)

Ed Ingram (2022)

Draft: Third Round

Danielle Hunter (2015)

Alexander Mattison (2019)

Cameron Dantzler (2020)

Kellen Mond (2021)

Chazz Suratt (2021)

Wyatt Davis (2021)

Patrick Jones II (2021)

Brian Asamoah (2022)

Draft: Fourth Round

D.J. Wonnum (2020)

James Lynch (2020)

Troy Dye (2020)

Kene Nwangwu (2021)

Camryn Bynum (2021)

Janarius Robinson (2021)

Akayleb Evans (2022)

Draft: Fifth Round

Harrison Hand (2020)

K.J. Osborn (2020)

Ihmir Smith-Marsette (2021)

Zach Davidson (2021)

Esezi Otomewo (2022)

Ty Chandler (2022)

Draft: Sixth Round

Armon Watts (2019)

Oli Udoh (2019)

Josh Metellus (2020)

Blake Brandel (2020)

Jaylen Twyman (2021)

Vederian Lowe (2022)

Jalen Nailor (2022)

Draft: Seventh Round

Kris Boyd (2019)

Olabisi Johnson (2019)

Kenny Willekes (2020)

Kyle Hinton (2020)

Nate Stanley (2020)

Nick Muse (2022)

Undrafted Free Agent

Adam Thielen (2013)

C.J. Ham (2016)

Blake Lynch (2020)

Dan Chisena (2020)

Myles Dorn (2020)

Jake Bargas (2020)

Blake Proehl (2021)

Myron Mitchell (2021)

A.J. Rose Jr. (2021)

Luiji Vilain (2022)

Mike Brown (2022)

Thomas Hennigan (2022)

Bryant Koback (2022)

Zach McCloud (2022)

Josh Sokol (2022)

Tyarise Stevenson (2022)

Ryan Wright (2022)

Gabe Brkic (2022)

William Kwenkeu (2022)

Unrestricted Free Agent

Kirk Cousins (2018)

Patrick Peterson (2021)

Dalvin Tomlinson (2021)

Tye Smith (2021)

Harrison Phillips (2022)

Chandon Sullivan (2022)

Johnny Mundt (2022)

Nate Hairston (2022)

Chris Reed (2022)

Austin Schlottman (2022)

Street Free Agent

Andrew DePaola (2020)

Greg Joseph (2021)

Jordan Berry (2021)

Sean Mannion (2021)

Timon Parris (2021)

T.J. Smith (2021)

T.Y. McGill (2021)

Trishton Jackson (2021)

Parry Nickerson (2021)

Za’Darius Smith (2022)

Jordan Hicks (2022)

Jesse Davis (2022)

Jullian Taylor (2022)

Waivers

Ryan Connelly (2020)

Ben Ellefson (2021)

Minnesota Vikings 90-man Roster w/Numbers

The Minnesota Vikings 90-man roster was tweaked again after the team’s rookie tryouts over the weekend. Undrafted out of Temple, linebacker William Kwenkeu was added to the roster. Linebacker Tuf Borland was released to make room on the roster for Kwenkeu. One of the most interesting stories since the draft has been the jersey journey of first-round pick Lewis Cine. He was introduced to the media immediately following the draft with a #6 jersey. He expressed a preference for the #16 that he wore at Georgia. That # wasn’t available with the Vikings. When the team released the jersey #s of the rookies last week, Cine had his #16. When the rookies arrived last Friday for their first workouts with the Vikings, Cine was wearing #6. He’s #6. He said that he’s #6. The jersey journey of Lewis Cine is finally done. Punter Jordan Berry wore #6 last season. He was spotted wearing #16 at this week’s OTAs. With the jersey # business finally being settled, here’s a look at the 90 players currently on the Minnesota Vikings roster and the numbers that go with them. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense

Quarterbacks (4)

  8 Kirk Cousins

14 Sean Mannion

11 Kellen Mond

12 Nate Stanley

Running Backs (6)

  4 Dalvin Cook

  2 Alexander Mattison

26 Kene Nwangwu

32 Ty Chandler

31 A.J. Rose Jr.

38 Bryant Koback

Fullbacks (2)

30 C.J. Ham

36 Jake Bargas

Receivers (11)

19 Adam Thielen

18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

15 Ihmir Smith-Marsette

85 Dan Chisena

81 Olabisi Johnson

83 Jalen Nailor

13 Blake Proehl

87 Myron Mitchell

  9 Trishton Jackson

89 Thomas Hennigan

Tight Ends (5)

84 Irv Smith Jr.

86 Johnny Mundt

82 Ben Ellefson

40 Zach Davidson

34 Nick Muse

Tackles (6)

71 Christian Darrisaw

75 Brian O’Neill

74 Oli Udoh

64 Blake Brandel

63 Vederian Lowe

61 Timon Parris

Guards (7)

72 Ezra Cleveland

73 Jesse Davis

62 Chris Reed

52 Wyatt Davis

67 Ed Ingram

68 Kyle Hinton

65 Austin Schlottman

Centers (2)

56 Garrett Bradbury

60 Josh Sokol

Defense

Defensive Linemen (10)

94 Dalvin Tomlinson

97 Harrison Phillips

98 Armon Watts

92 James Lynch

93 Jaylen Twyman

78 Jullian Taylor

90 Esezi Otomeow

76 T.Y. McGill

50 T.J. Smith

51 Tyarise Stevenson

Edge (7)

99 Danielle Hunter

55 Za’Darius Smith

98 D.J. Wonnum

91 Patrick Jones II

95 Janarius Robinson

79 Kenny Willekes

43 Luiji Vilain

Linebackers (9)

54 Eric Kendricks

58 Jordan Hicks

33 Brian Asamoah

41 Chazz Suratt

48 Blake Lynch

45 Troy Dye

57 Ryan Connelly 

59 Zach McCloud

47 William Kwenkeu

Cornerbacks (10)

  7 Patrick Peterson

  3 Cameron Dantzler

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

39 Chandon Sullivan

29 Kris Boyd

27 Nate Hairston

20 Harrison Hand

  5 Tye Smith

35 Parry Nickerson

Safeties (6)

22 Harrison Smith

  6 Lewis Cine

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

46 Miles Dorn

37 Mike Brown

Special Teams

Kicker (2)

  1 Greg Joseph

49 Gabe Brkic

Punters (2)

16 Jordan Berry

66 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

Minnesota Vikings Evolving Front Office

Teams with new general managers often make a few tweaks to the front office after the draft. Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did just that yesterday. The Vikings hired Demitrius Washington as its vice president of football operations and strategy. 

Washington had worked in the front office of the San Francisco 49ers for the past seven seasons. The first several of those years were spent working with Adofo-Mensah in the team’s football research and development department. Washington worked on developing predictive and statistical analysis for the 49ers. With the Vikings, he will have one of the most senior roles in the team’s front office. 

From Kwesi Adofo-Mensah:

We couldn’t be more excited to have Demitrius join the Vikings front office. He is one of the most uniquely gifted people I have met in my time in the NFL. He is able to learn complex ideas, make them simple, and apply them in all facets of the organization. He has learned from some of the best minds in the game today and he will continue to flourish in his role with the Vikings. 

The Minnesota Vikings evolving front office:

General Manager

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

Executive Vice President-Football Operations

Rob Brzezinski

Vice President of Football Operations

Demitrius Washington

Co-Director of Player Personnel

Ryan Monnens

Co-Director of Player Personnel

Jamaal Stephenson

Senior Football Advisor

Ryan Grigson

Director of Pro Scouting

                ?

Assistant Director of Pro Scouting

Chris Blanco

Director of College Scouting

Mike Sholiton

Assistant Director of College Scouting

Pat Roberts

National Scout

Chisom Opara

College Scouts

Frank Acevedo

Jake Essler

Blaine Gramer

Sean Gustus

Kevin McCabe

College Scout/BLESTO

Mitch Johnson-Martin

Special Assistant to the GM/Player Development Manager

Kaitlin Zarecki

Player Personnel Assistant

Caroline DeFelice

Director, Analytics/Pro Scout

Scott Kuhn

Manager, Analytics

Rex Johnson

Football Analyst

Chris French

Executive Director, Football Information Systems

Paul Nelson

Senior Manager, Football Information Systems

Luke Burson

Database Administrator 

Mike Desplenter

Programmer

Derek McCormick

Football Administration Coordinator

Emily Badis

Football Data Analyst

David Blando

Player Personnel Consultant

Paul Wiggin

Scouting Associates

Taylor Brooks

Alex Dale

***

Denver Broncos general manager George Paton turned again to the Vikings for one of his top front office assistants. He swiped Director of Pro Scouting Reed Burckhardt. That leaves the Vikings with a significant vacancy. Perhaps Assistant Director of Pro Scouting Chris Blanco is promoted. Perhaps Adofo-Mensah looks outside the organization. The Vikings front office will continue to evolve. 

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart?

All 90 players on the Minnesota Vikings roster will be together on a practice field for the first time today. To celebrate that momentous occasion here’s a stab at the team’s depth chart. 

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart?

Offense

Quarterbacks (4)

Kirk Cousins

Sean Mannion

Kellen Mond

Nate Stanley

This is pretty straightforward. The only real question is whether Kellen Mond can take the backup job from Sean Mannion. 

Running Backs (6)

Dalvin Cook

Alexander Mattison

Kene Nwangwu

Ty Chandler

A.J. Rose Jr.

Bryant Koback

The biggest question concerning the Vikings running backs is whether four make the 53-man roster. The top three certainly will make the roster. I don’t see Ty Chandler safely making it to the practice squad. In mid-May, I see the Vikings keeping four running backs. 

Fullbacks (2)

C.J. Ham

Jake Bargas

C.J. Ham is the Vikings fullback. 

Wide Receivers (11)

Justin Jefferson

Adam Thielen

K.J. Osborn

Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Olabisi Johnson

Jalen Nailor

Dan Chisena

Trishton Jackson

Myron Mitchell

Blake Proehl

Thomas Hennigan

The top four receivers feel set. It should be a fun chase for the final one or two spots. I’m leaning two with Jalen Nailor and Dan Chisena using special teams to pass Olabisi Johnson. 

Tight Ends (5)

Irv Smith Jr.

Johnny Mundt

Zach Davidson

Nick Muse

Ben Ellefson

The competition to back up Irv Smith Jr. might be one of the more interesting, under-the-radar competitions of training camp. 

Left Tackle (3)

Christian Darrisaw

Vederian Lowe

Oli Udoh

Left Guard (3)

Ezra Cleveland

Wyatt Davis

Kyle Hinton

Center (2)

Garrett Bradbury

Josh Sokol

Right Guard (3)

Ed Ingram

Chris Reed

Austin Schlottman

Right Tackle (4)

Brian O’Neill

Jesse Davis

Blake Brandel

Timon Parris

After the starters, the positions of the backups is as much a guess as anything. The only thing certain about the Vikings offensive line is that Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, and Ezra Cleveland are starters and that Garrett Bradbury currently tops the depth chart at center. The battle for the right guard job will be one of the most-watched and biggest competitions of the offseason and training camp. It’s certainly the most contested. Ed Ingram, Chris Reed, Jesse Davis, Wyatt Davis, Austin Schlottman, and perhaps others will be part of the competition. One or more of those players and Josh Sokol may also give Bradbury a run for the center job. 

Defense

Defensive Line (10)

Harrison Phillips

Dalvin Tomlinson

Armon Watts

James Lynch

Jaylen Twyman

Esezi Otomewo 

Jullian Taylor

T.Y. McGill

T.J. Smith

Tyarise Stevenson

Edge (8)

Danielle Hunter

Za’Darius Smith

D.J. Wonnum

Patrick Jones II

Kenny Willekes

Janarius Robinson 

Luiji Vilain

Zach McCloud

By the time the season starts, I hope that I’m able to properly express the Vikings defensive front two-dimensionally. They’ll be a base 3-4. It’ll take a while to get used to that little change. That’s just a starting point for what I believe will be a variety of defensive fronts. Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith terrorizing quarterbacks off the edge and Harrison Phillips and Dalvin causing havoc on the interior are currently the only certainties. I’m curious to see what defensive coordinator Ed Donatell and coaches Chris Rumph, Mike Smith, and Greg Manusky have planned for this group. 

Inside Linebackers (8)

Eric Kendricks

Jordan Hicks

Brian Asamoah

Chazz Suratt

Blake Lynch

Troy Dye

Ryan Connelly

Tuf Borland

It’ll be strange to not see Anthony Barr paired with Eric Kendricks. The starters are set with Kendricks and Jordan Hicks. There’s solid depth behind them. The wildcard of this group is third-round pick Brian Asamoah. I have a feeling he’s going to force the coaches into getting him on the field as often as possible. 

Cornerbacks (10)

Patrick Peterson

Cameron Dantzler

Chandon Sullivan

Andrew Booth Jr. 

Akayleb Evans

Kris Boyd

Harrison Hand

Nate Hairston

Tye Smith

Parry Nickerson

The Vikings cornerback group was pretty bleak at the start of the offseason. What a difference a few months can make. In mid-May, I see the starters as Patrick Peterson and Cameron Dantzler with Chandon Sullivan in the slot. I believe that second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. will play his way onto the field by the start of the season. I really like Booth, Dantzler, and Akayleb Evans as the future of the Vikings cornerbacks 

Safeties (6)

Harrison Smith

Lewis Cine

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus 

Myles Dorn

Mike Brown

This group is going to be fun. Harrison Smith is great. With each day since he was drafted in the first round, Lewis Cine impresses me more. Going into the draft, I was a huge fan of the Vikings safety pairing of Smith and Camryn Bynum. I was such a fan that I was actually a little disappointed that Cine was the pick at #32. I’m no longer disappointed and I’m a bit ashamed that I ever was. I’m thrilled with the possibility of a three-safety nickel. I’m excited to see Lewis Cine in the Vikings defense. 

Special Teams

Kickers (2)

Greg Joseph

Gabe Brkic

Punters (2)

Jordan Berry

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

The only thing certain about the specialists is that Andrew DePaola will be doing the long snapping. Greg Joseph and Jordan Berry enter the competition as the favorites to kick and punt. Still, I like the chances of the youngsters. 

NFL First Round Signing Tracker

The 2022 NFL Draft is in the books. It’s signing time. The Green Bay Packers got the first round signing started. They signed their two first-round picks before the draft was a week old. 

1.   Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, Edge, Georgia-Signed

2.   Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan-Signed

3.   Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU-Signed

4.   New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati-Signed

5.   New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon-Signed

6.   Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekonwu, OT, North Carolina State-Signed

7.   New York Giants: Evan Neal, OT, Alabama-Signed

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC-Signed

9.   Seattle Seahawks: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State

10. New York Jets: Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State

11. New Orleans Saints: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State-Signed

12. Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama-Signed

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia-Signed

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame

15. Houston Texans: Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M

16. Washington Commanders: Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State

17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College

18. Tennessee Titans: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas 

19. New Orleans Saints: Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa-Signed

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington-Signed

22. Green Bay Packers: Quay Walker, LB, Georgia-Signed

23. Buffalo Bills: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida-Signed

24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa-Signed

25. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa

26. New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah-Signed

28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia-Signed

29. New England Patriots: Cole Strange, OG, Tennessee-Chattanooga 

30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue-Signed

31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, S, Michigan

32. Minnesota Vikings: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia-Signed

***

20/32 signed. 

The 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement overhauled the rookie signing process. One would think that after 11 years I’d be used to the ease with which teams now sign their draft picks. It still amazes me that nearly 63% of the first round picks are signed two weeks after the close of the draft. 

With a new regime in town, I was curious as to how the Minnesota Vikings would go about the signing of their draft picks. Over the past decade, the Vikings often made quick work of these signings. There were a couple years in which the signings were done before the draft was a week old. They seemed to favor getting all their rookies signed before they practiced. Having come over from the Los Angeles Rams, I thought that Kevin O’Connell might favor that team’s unique approach to their rookies. The Rams are usually the last team to start signing their draft picks. They wait until after they have put their rookies through classes on finances and overall management of their new professional football life. With this week’s signings of most of their draft picks, it appears that the new Vikings regime favor getting their rookie class under contract before they step on a practice field. Time ran out on doing that as the rookies practiced this weekend and four draft picks remain unsigned. 

Vikings Rookie Signings:

1. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia-Signed

2. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

2. Ed Ingram, G, LSU

3. Brian Asomoah, LB, Oklahoma

4. Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri

5. Esezi Otomeco, DL, Minnesota-Signed

5. Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina-Signed

6. Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois-Signed

6. Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State-Signed

7. Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina-Signed

The Vikings still have some signing work to do. 

Minnesota Vikings 2022 Schedule

After all these years, I’m still amazed that the NFL makes the release of the schedule an event, a prime time televised event. We’ve known all of the matchups since the end of the previous season. It’s only the “when” that’s an unknown. The NFL makes the “when” a prime time televised event. Actually, it’s a week of big-game releases leading up to a prime time televised event. Despite the annual fact that the entire schedule gets leaked before the event even airs. The NFL will always celebrate the NFL. Anyway, we now have the 2022 schedule of the Minnesota Vikings. That’s all we wanted. That’s all we needed. 

2022 Minnesota Vikings Schedule

Week	Day	Date	Opponent	Time (PT)
1	Sunday	Sept. 11	Green Bay Packers	1:25 PM
2	Monday	Sept. 19	@ Philadelphia Eagles	5:30 PM
3	Sunday	Sept. 25	Detroit Lions	10:00 AM
4	Sunday	Oct. 2	@ New Orleans (London)	6:30 AM
5	Sunday	Oct. 9	Chicago Bears	10:00 AM
6	Sunday	Oct. 16	@ Miami Dolphins	10:00 AM
7	Sunday	Oct. 23	BYE
8	Sunday	Oct. 30	Arizona Cardinals	10:00 AM
9	Sunday	Nov. 6	@ Washington Commanders	10:00 AM
10	Sunday	Nov. 13	@ Buffalo Bills	10:00 AM
11	Sunday	Nov. 20	Dallas Cowboys	1:25 PM
12	Thursday	Nov. 24	New England Patriots	5:20 PM
13	Sunday	Dec. 4	New York Jets	10:00 AM
14	Sunday	Dec. 11	@ Detroit Lions	10:00 AM
15	Sat/Sun	Dec. 17/18	Indianapolis Colts	TBD
16	Saturday	Dec. 24	New York Giants	10:00 AM
17	Sunday	Jan. 1	@ Green Bay Packers	1:25 PM
18	Sat/Sun	Jan. 7/8	@ Chicago Bears	TBD

The Good:

-Starting at home against the Green Bay Packers. It’s always fun to start a season with a bang.

-Only two back-to-back road games.

-Thanksgiving at home! Since the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys have been the traditional hosts of Thanksgiving games, the Vikings have never hosted one. They will this season. 

-Home games on either side of the home Thanksgiving game. Short weeks always suck. It’s nice to not have travel a part of it. 

-Nine home games!

The Bad: 

-A London game. No offense to the ecstatic UK Vikings fans but traveling to London for a game can be rough. An NFL season turns into a routine. These extended trips and accommodations are outside that routine. It can be disruptive. And a 6:30 start is a too damn early start to this west coast Vikings fan.

-@ Green Bay and @ Chicago to end the season. 

In my opinion, the only things that make an NFL schedule a shit schedule is a too early bye and extended road trips. The Vikings have neither with this schedule. A later bye would be better but Week 7 isn’t bad. I’d prefer that the Vikings not have a London game but it probably isn’t that big of a deal for the players and coaches that are making the trip. At least the New Orleans Saints are the “home” team so the Vikings aren’t losing a home game. 

The Vikings chose not to have their bye following the London game. Apparently, in the history of regular season London games only five teams have chosen not to have their bye during the week following the trip. The Vikings wisely decided that in a 17+-week season, Week 5 is too early for the bye. 

From Week 11 - Week 16, the Vikings play five home games in six weeks. With that sort of home stretch, it’s a little surprising that they only have two back-to-back road games. Those two back-back-back road games are separated by that six-week mostly home stretch. 

Last year, the Vikings made several trips west. They had a four-week stretch during which they traveled to Baltimore, to Los Angeles, and to San Francisco. That’s probably more rough than one trip to London. Even though I was able to attend the two West Coast games, last year’s schedule was a shit schedule. This year, their western-most games are their nine home games. That happens when a team is paired with the East teams of each conference. 

The only real grumble that I have with this schedule is ending the season on the road in Green Bay and in Chicago. Even that doesn’t seem that bad. The bye might’ve been better in Week 9 before the back half of the season heats up against the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and New England Patriots. With that Week 4 London trip, maybe a Week 7 bye is for the best. Most things considered, the Minnesota Vikings 2022 Schedule is a fine schedule.