Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

Most of the offseason is focused on the player additions and tweaks to the roster. Unless there’s whole-scale changes, little attention is paid to coaching staff tweaks. Going from season one to season two of his tenure, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell made one big change and several tweaks to his coaching staff. In advance of training camp, here’s a review of those coaching changes. 

Out

Defensive Coordinator: Ed Donatell

Inside Linebackers: Greg Manusky

Assistant Quarterbacks: Jerrod Johnson

Assistant Defensive Line: A’Lique Terry

Assistant Linebackers: Sam Siefkes

Assistant Defensive Backs: Roy Anderson

Assistant Special Teams: Ben Kotwica

In

Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores

Inside Linebackers: Mike Siravo

Assistant Quarterbacks: Grant Udinski

Assistant Defensive Line: Patrick Hill

Assistant Inside Linebackers: Thad Bogardus 

Assistant Defensive Backs: Michael Hutchings 

Defensive Assistant: Imarjaye Albury

Assistant Special Teams: Dalmin Gibson

Firing Ed Donatell after a terrible defensive season and hiring Brian Flores is the big coaching change. It’s probably the Vikings most significant change of the offseason. Flores has a long, strong NFL coaching resume. He started his professional football career as a scout with the Patriots. He shifted to the team’s coaching ranks and started a steady and fairly quick climb. He was the play-caller that shut down the explosive Los Angeles Rams offense in Super Bowl LIII. That got him a head coaching opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. Now he’s in Minnesota and tasked with a big defensive turnaround. Mike Siravo has been coaching since 1998. Most of that experience was at the college level with Matt Ruhle. Siravo followed Ruhle to the Carolina Panthers in 2020 to coordinate run defense and coach linebackers. Siravo and Flores crossed paths at Boston College. Siravo was a graduate assistant. Flores was a student and linebacker. Grant Udinski is an internal hire as he spent last season as an assistant to Kevin O’Connell, working on special projects. Thad Bogardus coached outside linebackers for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. He’d been working with that team’s linebackers or defensive linemen since 2017. So, he shared some time in Los Angeles with Kevin O’Connell. Prior to joining the Rams, Bogardus was a defensive assistant for the Denver Broncos from 2015-16. He earned Super Bowl rings with the Broncos and Rams. The Vikings plucked Patrick Hill, Michael Hutchings, and Dalmin Gibson from the college ranks. Each is young with a promising coaching future in front of them. The Vikings swiped Hill from Deion Sanders’ freshly completed Colorado coaching staff. Gibson was the special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach at Southern Illinois. Hutchings was coaching outside linebackers at Western Kentucky. 

2023 Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Kevin O’Connell

Assistant Head Coach: Mike Pettine

Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips

Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores

Special Teams Coordinator: Matt Daniels

Offense:

Quarterbacks: Chris O’Hara

Assistant Quarterbacks/Chief of Special Projects: Grant Udinski

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

Defense:

Defensive Line: Chris Rumph

Assistant Defensive Line: Patrick Hill

Outside Linebackers/Pass Rush Specialist: Mike Smith

Inside Linebackers: Mike Siravo

Assistant Inside Linebackers: Thad Bogardus

Defensive Backs: Daronte Jones

Assistant Defensive Backs: Michael Hutchings

Defensive Assistant: Imarjaye Albury

Quality Control: Lance Bennett

Special Teams:

Assistant Special Teams: Dalmin Gibson

2023 Training Camp Reporting Dates And Locations

 NFL Training Camps start opening in about three weeks. As the “competing” teams in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets will get a jump on the rest of the league. Browns rookies report 7/19 and veterans report two days later. Jets rookies and veterans report 7/19. The Pittsburgh Steelers will be the last team to open training camp. Their players do not report until 7/26. The other 29 teams are somewhere in between. Here are the training camp reporting dates and locations for all 32 NFL teams.

2023 Training Camp Reporting Dates And Locations

Minnesota Vikings

Site: TCO Performance Center

Location: Eagan, MN

Rookies: 7/23

Veterans: 7/25

Arizona Cardinals 

Site: State Farm Stadium

Location: Glendale, AZ

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/25

Atlanta Falcons

Site: IBM Performance Field

Location: Flowery Branch, GA

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

Baltimore Ravens

Site: Under Armour Performance Center

Location: Owings Mills, MD

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

Buffalo Bills

Site: St. John Fisher University

Location: Rochester, NY

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

Carolina Panthers

Site: Wofford College

Location: Spartanburg, SC

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/25

Chicago Bears

Site: PNC Center at Halas Hall

Location: Lake Forest, IL

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/25

Cincinnati Bengals

Site: Paycor Stadium

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/25

Cleveland Browns

Site: CrossCountry Mortgage Campus

Location: Berea, OH

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/21

Dallas Cowboys

Site: Marriott Residence Inn

Location: Oxnard, CA

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/25

Denver Broncos

Site: Centura Health Training Center

Location: Englewood, CO

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/25

Detroit Lions

Site: Detroit Lions Training Facility

Location: Allen Park, MI

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/22

Green Bay Packers

Site: Lambeau Field

Location: Green Bay, WI

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/25

Houston Texans

Site: Houston Methodist Training Center

Location: Houston, TX

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/25

Indianapolis Colts

Site: Grand Park

Location: Westfield, IN

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/25

Jacksonville Jaguars

Site: Miller Electric Center

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/25

Kansas City Chiefs

Site: Missouri Western State University

Location: St. Joseph, MO

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/22

Las Vegas Raiders

Site: Intermountain Health Performance Center and Raiders Headquarters

Location: Henderson, NV

Rookies: 7/20

Veterans: 7/25

Los Angeles Chargers

Site: Jack Hammett Sports Complex

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

Los Angeles Rams

Site: University of California, Irvine

Location: Irvine, CA

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/25

Miami Dolphins

Site: Baptist Health Training Complex

Location: Miami Gardens, FL

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

New England Patriots 

Site: Gillette Stadium 

Location: Foxborough, MA

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/25

New Orleans Saints

Site: Ochsner Sports Performance Center 

Location: Metaire, LA

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

New York Giants

Site: Quest Diagnostics Training Faciltiy

Location: East Rutherford, NJ

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

New York Jets

Site: Atlantic Health Jets Training Center

Location: Florham Park, NJ

Rookies: 7/19

Veterans: 7/19

Philadelphia Eagles 

Site: NovaCare Complex

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/25

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Site: Saint Vincent College

Location: Latrobe, PA

Rookies: 7/26

Veterans: 7/26

San Francisco 49ers

Site: SAP Performance Facility

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Rookies: 7/18

Veterans: 7/25

Seattle Seahawks

Site: Virginia Mason Athletic Center

Location: Renton, WA

Rookies: 7/25

Veterans: 7/25

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Site: AdventHealth Training Center

Location: Tampa, FL

Rookies: 7/24

Veterans: 7/25

Tennessee Titans

Site: Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park

Location: Nashville, TN

Rookies: 7/22

Veterans: 7/25

Washington Commanders

Site: OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park

Location: Ashburn, VA

Rookies: 7/21

Veterans: 7/25

Minnesota Vikings 90-man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings sadly released running back Dalvin Cook a couple weeks ago. That dropped the roster to 90 players. Rookie defensive lineman Junior Aho is part of the league’s International Player Pathway Program. As such, he doesn’t count against the team’s 90-man roster limit. The Vikings could add another player in the coming weeks before training camp. 

Here’s the current roster of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense (41)

Quarterback (3)

  8 Kirk Cousins

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

Running Back (4)

  2 Alexander Mattison 

26 Kene Nwangwu

32 Ty Chandler

37 DeWayne McBride

Fullback (2)

30 C.J. Ham

41 Zach Ojile

Wide Receiver (13)

18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

  3 Jordan Addison

  5 Jalen Reager

83 Jalen Nailor

19 Brandon Powell

  9 Trishton Jackson

13 Blake Proehl

89 Thayer Thomas

81 Malik Knowles

85 Cephus Johnson II

15 Lucky Jackson

82 Garrett Maag

Tight End (5)

87 T. J Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

49 Ben Sims

Offensive Linemen (14)

71 Christian Darrisaw

72 Ezra Cleveland

56 Garrett Bradbury 

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

64 Blake Brandel

65 Austin Schlottman

62 Chris Reed

74 Oli Udoh

79 Vederian Lowe

60 Josh Sokol

66 Alan Ali

63 Jacky Chen

61 Sam Schlueter

Defense (45)

Defensive Line (12)

94 Dean Lowry

97 Harrison Phillips

92 James Lynch

95 Khyiris Tonga

90 Esezi Otomewo

78 Jaquelin Roy

93 Jonathan Bullard

96 Ross Blacklock

50 T. J. Smith

52 Sheldon Day

69 Calvin Avery

73 Junior Aho

Outside Linebacker (8)

99 Danielle Hunter

  0 Marcus Davenport

98 D.J.Wonnum

91 Patrick Jones

43 Luiji Vilain

51 Benton Whitley

54 Curtis Weaver

57 Andre Carter  II

Inside Linebacker (8)

33 Brian Asamoah

58 Jordan Hicks

45 Troy Dye

59 Troy Reeder

47 William Kwenkeu

40 Ivan Pace Jr. 

57 Wilson Huber

39 Abraham Beauplan

Cornerback (11)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

11 Mekhi Blackmon

29 Joejuan Williams

31 Tay Gowan

27 Kalon Barnes

28 John Reid

38 Jaylin Williams

36 NaJee Thompson

35 C. J. Coldon 

Safety (6)

22 Harrison Smith

  6 Lewis Cine

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

20 Jay Ward

25 Theo Jackson

Special Teams (4)

Kicker (2)

  1 Greg Joseph

46 Jack Podlesny

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

NFL First Round Signing Tracker

Training Camps are about a month away. The last month of the offseason is always the longest. Here’s an update of the signing status of the players selected in that first round. 

First Round

1.   Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

2.   Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

3.   Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama-Signed

4.   Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

5.   Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

6.   Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State-Signed

7.   Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech-Signed

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas-Signed

9.   Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia-Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee-Signed

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern-Signed

12. Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

13. Green Bay Packers: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia-Signed

15. New York Jets: Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

17. New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

18. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa-Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh-Signed

20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State-Signed 

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU-Signed

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College-Signed

23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC-Signed

24. New York Giants: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland-Signed

25. Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah-Signed

26. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan-Signed

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma-Signed

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson-Signed

29. New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson-Signed

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia-Signed

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State-Signed

***

22 of the 31 players selected in the first round have signed their rookie contracts. A third of the unsigned players are the three quarterbacks. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster Churn

Perhaps regrettably, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah termed his molding of the team’s roster as a “competitive rebuild.” The media and fans grabbed and ran with the term. Through two offseasons, he hasn’t heard the end of it. There has been considerable roster churn since Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell were hired after the 2021 season. Here’s a look at the players on the roster before Kwesi and the players added after Kwesi.

Minnesota Vikings Roster Churn

Offense

Quarterback

  

Before Kwesi:

Kirk Cousins

After Kwesi:

Nick Mullens

Jaren Hall

Running Back

Before Kwesi:

Alexander Mattison 

C.J. Ham

Kene Nwangwu

After Kwesi:

Ty Chandler

DeWayne McBride

Zach Ojile

Wide Receiver

Before Kwesi:

Justin Jefferson

K.J. Osborn

After Kwesi:

Jordan Addison

Jalen Reager

Jalen Nailor

Brandon Powell

Trishton Jackson

Blake Proehl

Thayer Thomas

Malik Knowles

Cephus Johnson II

Lucky Jackson

Garrett Maag

Tight End

Before Kwesi:

After Kwesi:

T. J Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse

Ben Sims

Offensive Linemen

Christian Darrisaw

Ezra Cleveland

Garrett Bradbury 

Brian O’Neill

Blake Brandel

Oli Udoh

After Kwesi:

Ed Ingram

Austin Schlottman

Chris Reed

Vederian Lowe

Josh Sokol

Alan Ali

Jacky Chen

Sam Schlueter

Defense

Defensive Line

Before Kwesi:

James Lynch

After Kwesi:

Dean Lowry

Harrison Phillips

Khyiris Tonga

Esezi Otomewo

Jaquelin Roy

Jonathan Bullard

Ross Blacklock

T. J. Smith

Sheldon Day

Calvin Avery

Junior Aho

Outside Linebacker

Before Kwesi:

Danielle Hunter

D.J. Wonnum

Patrick Jones

After Kwesi:

Marcus Davenport

Luiji Vilain

Benton Whitley

Curtis Weaver

Andre Carter  II

Inside Linebacker

Before Kwesi:

Troy Dye

After Kwesi:

Brian Asamoah

Jordan Hicks

Troy Reeder

William Kwenkeu

Ivan Pace Jr. 

Wilson Huber

Abraham Beauplan

Cornerback

Before Kwesi:

After Kwesi:  

Byron Murphy Jr.

Akayleb Evans

Andrew Booth Jr.

Mekhi Blackmon

Joejuan Williams

Tay Gowan

Kalon Barnes

John Reid

Jaylin Williams

NaJee Thompson

C. J. Coldon 

Safety

Before Kwesi:

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

After Kwesi:

Lewis Cine

Jay Ward

Theo Jackson

Special Teams 

Kicker

  

Before Kwesi:

Greg Joseph

After Kwesi:

Jack Podlesny

Punter

Before Kwesi:

After Kwesi:

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper

Before Kwesi:

Andrew DePaola

After Kwesi:

Final Tally:

22 of the 90 players on Vikings roster were on the roster before Kwesi arrived.

68 of the 90 players on the Vikings roster were added after Kwesi arrived. 

The greatest gifts left for Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell were Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw. 

Kwesi’s Trades

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been the general manager of the Minnesota Vikings since January 2022. He’s had two offseasons to craft the team’s roster. He’s leaned on trades to do some of that crafting. K. Joudry of Purple PTSD compiled a list of those trades. I thank KJ for the hard work. Posting it here is the easy work.

Kwesi’s Trades

Thursday, April 28th, 2022

Minnesota trades #12 (WR Jameson Williams) & #46 (DE Josh Paschal) for Detroit’s #32 (S Lewis Cine), #34 (traded), & #66 (LB Brian Asamoah). 

Friday, April 29th, 2022

Minnesota trades #34 (WR Christian Watson) for Green Bay’s #53 (traded) & #59 (RG Ed Ingram).

Friday, April 29th, 2022

Minnesota trades #53 (WR Alec Pierce), #77 (OL Bernhard Raimann), & #192 (TE Andrew Ogletree) for Indianapolis’ #42 (CB Andrew Booth) & #122 (traded).

Saturday, April 30th, 2022

Minnesota trades #122 (RB Zamir White) & #250 (RB Brittain Brown) for Las Vegas’ #126 (traded) & #227 (TE Nick Muse).

Saturday, April 30th, 2022

Minnesota trades #156 (RB Jerome Ford) & a 2023 4th (#126-Isaiah McGuire) for Cleveland’s #118 (CB Akayleb Evans)

Saturday, April 30th, 2022

Minnesota trades #126 (DE Neil Farrell) for Las Vegas’ #165 (DL Esezi Otomewo) & #169 (RB Ty Chandler).

2022 NFL Draft Day Trades summation:

The Vikings selected eight of the 10 players that they drafted with picks acquired in trades. Only sixth-rounders OT Vederian Lowe and WR Jalen Nailor were selected with picks originally held by the Vikings.

Monday, August 22nd, 2022

Minnesota trades a conditional 2024 7th for Las Vegas QB Nick Mullens.

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Minnesota trades a 2023 6th (#201-C Jarrett Patterson) for Houston DT Ross Blacklock & a 2023 7th (#219-traded).

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Minnesota trades OL Jesse Davis to Pittsburgh for a conditional 2025 7th.

Wednesday, August 31th, 2022

Minnesota trades a 2023 7th (#219-traded) & conditional 2024 4th for Philadelphia WR Jalen Reagor. 

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022

Minnesota trades a 2023 2nd (traded) & 2024 3rd for Detroit TE T.J. Hockenson, a 2023 4th (#119-traded) & 2024 conditional pick. 

Friday, April 28th, 2023

Minnesota trades #87 (S Ji’Ayir Brown) for San Francisco’s #102 (CB Mekhi Blackmon), #164 (QB Jaren Hall), & #222 (RB DeWayne McBride).

Saturday, April 29th, 2023

Minnesota trades pick #119 (CB Chamarri Conner) for Kansas City’s #134 (DB Jay Ward) & a 2024 5th.

Saturday, April 29th Minnesota trades #158 (S Daniel Scott) & #211 (Edge Titus Leo) for Indianapolis’ #141 (DT Jaquelin Roy).

2023 NFL Draft Day Trades Summation

The Vikings selected five of the six players that they drafted with picks acquired in trades. Only first rounder WR Jordan Addison was selected a pick originally held by the Vikings. 

Friday, May 12th, 2023

Minnesota trades OLB Za’Darius Smith, a 2025 6th & 7th for Cleveland’s 2024 5th & 2025 5th. 

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been the Vikings general manager for about 17 months. In that time he’s made 15 trades. 

-4 trades have brought in players:

Nick Mullens

Ross Blacklock

Jalen Reagor

T.J. Hockenson

-2 trades have sent players away

Jesse Davis

Za’Darius Smith

-9 trades have occurred in the NFL Draft

-3 of the trades have been with division foes

-3 trades have been with the Raiders

-2 trades have been with Colts

-2 trades have been with the Browns

-2 trades have been with the Lions

It’s safe to say that Adofo-Mensah will not hesitate to trade to craft the Vikings roster. And he does not abide by the league’s antiquated taboo of trading with division foes. 

Thanks again to KJ for the hard work. 

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. Chad Greenway, LB

  39. Jeff Siemon, LB

  38. Dalvin Cook, RB

  37. Daunte Culpepper, QB

  36. Everson Griffen, DE

  35. Ed White, OG

  34. Scott Studwell, LB

  33. Anthony Carter, WR

  32. Jim Kleinsasser, TE

  31. Bill Brown, FB

After missing his rookie season with a preseason knee injury, Chad Greenway was a Vikings defensive staple for the next ten seasons. I always found him vastly underrated but that’s the life of today’s off-the-ball linebackers. Pro Bowl nods always go to the pass rushers. He did go to two Pro Bowls. He should’ve been to about six. Simply put, Greenway was a very good football player. 

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. 

Dalvin Cook. I wish that he hadn’t missed most of his rookie season. I wish that his Vikings career hadn’t come to an early end a few weeks ago. In between, Cook was one of the best running backs in franchise history. He’s probably the most complete back (rushing, receiving, blocking) since Chuck Foreman. He could do it all and he’s such a fun football player. The only issue that I ever had with his game was the injuries. And he seemed to fumble every time that he was injured. It’s interesting that the only season in which he played every game was his last season. I’m going to miss Dalvin Cook. 

The Vikings have been trying to find their next franchise quarterback since Fran Tarkenton retired after the 1978 season. Daunte Culpepper was the most promising. He might also be the team’s greatest “what if.” Drafted in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft, Culpepper was the starter by his second season. From 2000-04, he improved steadily with frequent spectacular play. It helps that he was throwing to Randy Moss. Culpepper’s 2004 season was MVP-quality. Everything crashed in the seventh game of the 2005 season with a knee injury. He was never the same after that. Brad Childress cleared the quarterback room in 2006 and Culpepper’s brilliant potential was gone. 

Jared Allen kept Everson Griffen on the bench for his first four seasons. Despite starting one game over those four seasons, the Vikings gave Griffen a big second contract. The football world was shocked. Vikings fans weren’t. They knew what Griffen could do. He simple needed playing time. I believe that new head coach Mike Zimmer was surprised with the under-used pass rusher that he inherited. As soon as that first season together, happily surprised. Griffen was a terrific pass rusher and fun football player. 

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 #32 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, #32 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 little things that made it possible for players like Daunte Culpepper, Chester Taylor, Adrian Peterson, Brett Favre, and Percy Harvin to shine. 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. 

Bill Brown was one of the league’s best fullbacks in the 1960s. George Halas traded him after a single season and always regretted it. Brown’s last few years were my first few years as a Vikings fan. He’s a player that I’ve always wished I’d seen in his prime. 

Minnesota Vikings Open Training Camp

The 63rd training camp of the Minnesota Vikings will have 14 practices open to the public. The dates of those practices were announced yesterday.

Fans will be seeing double this year. There will be two night practices and two sets of joint practices with another team. 

The 14 practices at the spectacular TCO Performance Center:

Saturday, July 29

Back Together Weekend

Noon-5pm

Practice: 2:30

Monday, July 31

Noon-5pm

Practice: 2:30

Tuesday, August 1

Noon-5pm

Practice: 2:30

Thursday, August 3

Night Practice

5-10pm

Practice: 7:00

Saturday, August 5

Noon-5pm

Practice: 2:30

Sunday, August 6

Noon-5pm

Practice: 2:30

Monday, August 7

Noon-5pm

Practice: 2:30

Tuesday, August 8

Night Practice

5-10pm

Practice 7:00

Saturday, August 12

TBA

Practice: TBA

Sunday, August 13

TBA

Practice: TBA

Wednesday, August 16

Joint Practice vs Tennessee Titans

TBA

Practice: TBA

Thursday, August 17

Joint Practice vs Tennessee Titans

TBA

Practice: TBA

Wednesday, August 23

Joint Practice vs Arizona Cardinals

TBA

Practice: TBA

Thursday, August 24

Joint Practice vs Arizona Cardinals

TBA

Practice: TBA

***

The night practices are held at 7,000-seat TCO Stadium 

The joint practices with the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals will be held in advance of the preseason game with each team. 

NFL Draft Seven-Round Signing Tracker

Training camps are finally the next event on the NFL calendar. That’s still weeks away. Some teams still have some draft picks to sign. Most of the signing interest is on the players selected in the first round. Here’s an update of the signing status of the players selected in that first round as well as a brief summary of the players selected 32-259. 

First Round

1.   Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

2.   Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

3.   Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama

4.   Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

5.   Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

6.   Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State-Signed

7.   Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech-Signed

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas-Signed

9.   Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia-Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee-Signed

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern-Signed

12. Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

13. Green Bay Packers: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia 

15. New York Jets: Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

17. New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

18. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa-Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh-Signed

20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State-Signed 

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU-Signed

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College-Signed

23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC-Signed

24. New York Giants: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland-Signed

25. Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah-Signed

26. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan-Signed

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma-Signed

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson-Signed

29. New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson-Signed

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia-Signed

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State-Signed

20 of the 31 players selected in the first round have signed their rookie contracts. 64.5% of the players selected in the first round are signed. 

Second Round

17/32-signed

53.1%

The players selected in the second round are annually the slowest/most difficult to sign. 

Third Round

37/39-signed

94.9%

Fourth Round

29/33-signed

87.9%

Fifth Round

42/42-signed

100%

Sixth Round

37/40-signed 

92.5%

Seventh Round

42/42-signed

100%

All Rounds

224/259-signed

86.5% of the players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft have signed their first NFL contract. 

Unsigned Picks by Team

Carolina Panthers: 

1. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Detroit Lions

1. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama 

2. Brian Branch, S, Alabama

Green Bay Packers

1. Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

2. Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State

2. Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State

Houston Texans

1. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

1. Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama

4. Dylan Horton, Edge, TCU

Indianapolis Colts

1. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

2. Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State

4. Blake Freeland, OT, BYU

Los Angeles Chargers

2. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, USC

Los Angeles Rams

3. Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee

3. Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest

4. Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia

6. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU

6. Ochaun Mathis, Edge, Nebraska

6. Zach Evans, RB, Mississippi

Miami Dolphins

2. Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina

New England Patriots

1. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

2. Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech

New Orleans Saints

2. Isaiah Foksey, Edge, Notre Dame

New York Jets

1. Will McDonald, Edge, Iowa State

2. Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

Philadelphia Eagles 

4. Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia

Pittsburgh Steelers

1. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

2. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State

2. Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

Seattle Seahawks

1. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

4. Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State

Tennessee Titans

2. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

Washington Commanders

1. Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

2. Jartavius Martin, CB, Illinois

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Curiosities

The time between the end of offseason work and the start of training camp is the longest of the NFL offseason. It’s about a month. About a month is about 30 days. This time feels more like 60 days. We are at the start of that time. Minnesota Vikings training camp opens in about a month. Here are some of the players that have piqued my curiosity.

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Curiosities

1. Brian Asamoah, LB

For a list of curious Vikings players it’s too easy to simply list players new to the team. The draft picks and free agents. I’ll start with last seasons third-round pick. Linebacker Brian Asamoah. Long-time starter and defensive leader Eric Kendricks was released this offseason for several reasons. The presence, readiness, and talent of Asamoah was probably the biggest reason. The Vikings defense had to get faster and younger. I hated to see Kendricks go but I can’t wait to see Asamoah on the field. At the snap, he turns into a missile. New defensive coordinator Brian Flores is going to turn him loose. 

2. Josh Oliver, TE

The Vikings first free agent addition of the offseason was Josh Oliver. A tight end. They’d acquired T.J. Hockenson in a “block-buster” trade during the season. They’d signed Johnny Mundt last offseason. Tight end didn’t appear to be an immediate need. Oliver was targeted and signed to aid the Vikings running game perhaps as much the passing game. He entered the league in 2019 as a pass-catching tight end. He developed into the league’s best blocking tight end over the past two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He comes to the Vikings as a versatile, new weapon. As head coach Kevin O’Connell and his coaches craft a more efficient running game, Oliver will become a central piece of the offense. 

3. Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Of all the new additions this offseason, Byron Murphy Jr. might be the most important. Patrick Peterson, Cam Dantzler Sr., Duke Shelley, and Chandon Sullivan were the team’s top corners last season. All are gone. The cornerback position was completely overhauled. Most pundits consider the overhaul a questionable move. They must not have seen those players on the field last season. The Vikings defense was terrible at pretty much every level. The Vikings defense has to get better. That isn’t a high bar. The defense has to get younger and faster. At 25, Byron Murphy Jr. is the senior member and immediate leader of the Vikings cornerback room. With the ability to play inside and outside, he’s a versatile football player. His play over his first four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals is a nice baseline. The expectations for him in the Vikings defense is higher. 

4. Marcus Davenport, OLB

When Marcus Davenport was signed as a free agent at the start of the offseason, most expected that it marked the end of Za’Darius Smith’s short stay in Minnesota. That didn’t happen until May with Smith’s trade to the Cleveland Browns. During the evaluation process leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft, Davenport was all the rage. The freakish pass rusher out of itty bitty Texas-San Antonio was projected by many as a top-10 pick. The New Orleans Saints traded up to snag him with the 14th pick. Considering his immense talent, his five years in the league have been underwhelming. His abilities have flashed at times but his sack totals have disappointed. He showed enough that the Saints picked up his fifth-year option. He didn’t show enough to earn a big second deal. He’s betting his NFL future on this one season in Minnesota. He hasn’t played in a 3-4. So there’s a lot of new with him. Davenport has the talent to be an impact player. He always has. 

5. Jordan Addison, WR

On paper, Jordan Addison was drafted in the first round to replace Adam Thielen. With that in mind, the Vikings passing game got much younger and much more dynamic. Last season, the Vikings offense often stagnated when defense’s were effective with their focus on Justin Jefferson. With Addison, an emerging K.J. Osborn, and a better integrated T.J. Hockenson on the field, the Vikings should be able to make defenses pay heavily when they commit extra resources to slowing Jefferson. Addison was one of college football’s best receivers over the past couple seasons. He has a Fred Biletnikoff Trophy to prove it. He’s a terrific route runner with terrific hands. He should pair nicely with Jefferson for a long time. 

6. Jaquelin Roy, DT

Since the draft, fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy has emerged as the rookie that I’m most excited to see on the field. Well, other than Addison. While not being at all built the same, there’s something about Roy that reminds me of Dalvin Tomlinson. Perhaps it’s Roy’s ability to play across the interior of the defensive line. Perhaps it’s his strength. Who knows? I just know that I see Roy as perhaps the steal of the Vikings 2023 draft class. 

7. The Young Cornerbacks

With this offseason’s overhaul of the Vikings cornerback room, the position is wide open. It’s going to be Murphy and the young guys. At 25, Murphy is also quite young. In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Vikings selected Andrew Booth Jr. in the second round and traded up to select Akayleb Evans in the fourth round. Each was selected to be eventual starters. They are in a fairly wide open competition to start with Murphy. Booth and Evans are probably the pre-training camp leaders to be on the field when Murphy moves inside. Third-round pick Mekhi Blackmon will also be part of that competition for playing time. Entering training camp, the Vikings cornerback depth chart is probably topped by Murphy, Booth, Evans, and Blackmon. I really like the potential of that group. Hopefully, the competition will get the best out of that potential. 

8. The Safeties

I can’t recall the Vikings ever having the talent at safety that they currently have. 

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Lewis Cine

Josh Metellus

Jay Ward

Theo Jackson

There was a time when a player like Theo Jackson would be the Vikings projected starter at safety. With this group, he’s a long-shot to make the team. Harrison Smith is a Vikings all-timer. At 34, he’s nearing the end but he will be unleashed in  Brian Flores’ defense. Smith’s immense and varied talent was wasted last season. Camryn Bynum’s steady and heady play is apparently keeping 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine on the sideline. It’s actually tough to tell where Cine is. He’s returning from the horrific leg injury that he suffered early last season and he’s learning his second NFL defense. Everyone’s learning a new defense. No matter how it plays out this season, I like the Vikings future of both Bynum and Cine. I believe that Jay Ward was selected in the fourth round to play the role that Josh Metellus has apparently made his own during offseason workouts. At LSU last season, Ward played nearly equal snaps at safety, outside corner, and inside corner. Upon his selection, I penciled him into a similar role in Flores’ varied and versatile defense. Instead, Metellus is playing “where is he?” all over the Vikings defense. The team’s safeties are so talented and versatile, that I see five making the team. I wouldn’t flinch if any of those five are on the field. There have been many years in which the Vikings were unable to field more than one starting quality safety. 

The training camp fun begins in about a month. 

Minnesota Vikings Hirings And Promotions

On Friday, the Minnesota Vikings announced several hirings and promotions to their football operations and personnel staffs. 

From general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah:

"We are pleased to finalize our football operations and personnel departments and extend a warm welcome to our new staff members. The Vikings organization is comprised of talented individuals that possess unique skills and strengths and we are excited to continue fostering a collaborative and innovative culture that promotes working together to achieve shared success."

The following new hires have joined the Vikings:

Sam DeLuca - Senior Assistant Director of Pro Personnel

Salli Clavelle - Pro Scout

Steve Sabo - College Area Scout

Matt Kelly - College Area Scout

Jack Murphy - College Scout/BLESTO

Michelle Mankoff - Scouting Associate

Shantel Rodgers - Scouting Associate

N’Tare Williamson - Scouting Associate

Lexus Blunt - Assistant Athletic Trainer

Anthony Caron - Football Information Systems Developer

The following employees have been promoted this year:

Tyler Williams - Vice President of Player Health and Performance

Luke Burson - Director of Football Information Systems

Emily Badis - Manager of Football Administration

Alex Dale - Pro Scout

Additionally, the title of Mitch Johnson-Martin has been updated to Player Personnel Analyst-Pro Scouting.

Congratulations to the new and promoted Vikings employees.

The Minnesota Vikings Player Personnel Department now looks like this:

General Manager - Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

Ryan Grigson - Senior Vice President of Player Personnel

Demitrius Washington - Vice President of Football Operations

Ryan Monnens - Director of Player Personnel

Sam DeLuca - Senior Assistant Director of Pro Personnel

Chisom Opara - Assistant Director of Player Personnel

Jamaal Stephenson - Senior Personnel Executive

Mike Sholiton - Director of College Scouting

Pat Roberts - Assistant Director of College Scouting

Salli Clavellle - Pro Scout

Alex Dale - Pro Scout

Sean Gustus - National Scout

Frank Acevedo - College Scout

Jake Essler - College Scout

Blaine Gramer - College Scout

Mitch Johnson-Martin - Player Personnel Analyst-Pro Scouting

Taylor Brooks - Player Personnel Analyst

Jack Murphy - College Scout/BLESTO

Matt Kelly - College Area Scout

Steve Sabo - College Area Scout

Kaitlin Zarecki - Football Operations Manager

Rex Johnson - Football Quantitative Methods Manager

Chris French - Football Quantitative Methods Analyst

Luke Burson - Director of Football Information Systems

Mike Desplenter - Database Administrator 

Anthony Caron - Football Information Systems Developer

Derek McCormick - Football Systems Developer

Emily Badis - Manager of Football Administration 

Paul Wiggin - Player Personnel Consultant

Michelle Mankoff - Scouting Associate

Shantel Rodgers - Scouting Associate

N’Tare Washington - Scouting Associate

Upton Bell: The Public Passing of My Private Father

The fine folks at Talk of Fame Two “reprinted” a 1983 Boston Globe column written by Upton Bell about his father, Bert Bell. I’m a little surprised that I hadn’t seen it over the past 40 years. I’m glad that I’ve seen it now. On this Father’s Day, here’s Upton Bell recounting the day his father died. 

Upton Bell: The Public Passing of My Private Father

(Former NFL commissioner Bert Bell suffered a fatal heart attack on Oct. 11, 1959, while attending that afternoon's Pittsburgh-Philadelphia game at Franklin Field. He was 65.  Son Upton, one of Bell's three children, was there and recalls what it was like to witness "the loss of the most important thing in a young man's life -- one of his parents.")

They said 3,000 people had passed through the Bringhurst Funeral home already, and more were waiting outside, with 15 minutes left before the doors closed.

“How ‘bout that, sports fans,” I mumbled as people filed by the casket.

“Who will replace him?” a mourner stage-whispered.

“No one, of course,” another answered. “You can’t replace a giant.”

Another mourner: “Bert ran the league with an iron hand. Now they’ll have to think for themselves again.”

My eyes focused on the little man in the casket, a very public man. My father. He didn’t look powerful to me. If he had been, it had all ebbed away by now.

The final act of the drama was about to take place: The club owners had arrived, amid weeping and wailing, for the formal transfer of power. The more I looked at him, the more he looked relieved and happy. I wondered if the public really knew the man. I wondered how well I’d known him.

I probably knew him better since that Sunday in 1959.

Sunday had been a beautiful day - a little warm, a little uncomfortable perhaps, but that was mostly my fault. I’d been out late the night before: Too much talking, dancing, drinking, and eating. It’s tough being all things to all people. Damn, concentrate. I have to clear my head, dress, eat breakfast and go to church (can’t avoid church since my Dad converted to Catholicism). The last ritual of the day would be the Eagles’ game. It probably won’t be a good game. The Eagles are playing the lowly Pittsburgh Steelers.

Both teams had been owned by my father at one time. Neither had made him rich. Bert, as he was called, had founded the Eagles for the sum of $3,300. He had to borrow the money from my mother (his father felt it wasn’t proper for a young Philadelphia gentleman to own a professional sports team. Besides, Bert already owed him $100,000) 

During World War II, he swapped franchises with the Steelers. Had to keep the dream alive, you know. He finally ended up equal partners with Art Rooney in the Pittsburgh franchise. The Eagles won two championships after he sold them, and the Steelers were always competitive. Both teams have fallen on hard times, although the Eagles are rebuilding these days. That’s not his problem anymore, though. Or mine.

Now in the summer of 1959, he’s commissioner of football. His priorities and problems are different, and the lines on his face are more profound. We’ll be watching the two teams he once owned play on the same field where he played as captain of Penn’s 1919 Rose Bowl team.

I’m finally organized. Have eaten breakfast, gone to church; even paid attention to the sermon for a couple of minutes … until distracted by the new fall fashions. Home again, and then off to the game. As I pull my car away from the three others in the driveway (one for each member of the family and all a damn sight more expensive than what my father is driving), I wonder what color suit he’ll wear today.

My father wears only suits. Blue from November to May; brown from June to October, or when it’s warm. Today it’s warm. Got to be the faded brown one.

Before the game, he’ll be at the Eagles’ office drinking coffee, meeting people, checking the ticket sales – but, most important, swapping stories with Joe Donahue, the Eagles’ president. When he sees me, he’ll ask in a loud voice about last night, and why I’m late. I’m always late. He’ll understand. I’ll ask him for more tickets … I’ve acquired more hangers-on since I picked up my date.

It’s one o’clock. I’m late as usual. It’s humid in Philadelphia, and my date is starting to look annoyed. Too bad. She’ll have to suffer with the rest of us.

Before the game I have to make my appearance in the inner sanctum of the Eagles’ office. I push through the crowd into the anteroom. I can see my father and hear his voice – that voice. He’s talking to an older-looking guy. “Look, Bull, I know things aren’t going well. Take this and stop by the office next week.” It’s Bull Lipski, one of the players from 1933. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll get my tickets quickly and touch my father for a little cash, too.

He sees me now. “Where have you been?”

Umm, I’ve been to church, and you see I met some friends and might need some more tickets. And after the game we might go to dinner. And I forgot my money. 

Laughing, he pulls out a twenty; then he yells to Joe in the outer office: “I need three more tickets, and Upton will be out to pay for them.” I laugh nervously. “See you after the game,” he tells me. 

As I leave, I hear him yell to Joe, “Let me pay you now for the tickets.” One of his peculiarities, although as commissioner he was entitled to a box and free tickets. He always paid.

We battle our way through the crowds at the mausoleum known as Franklin Field, reaching our seats at the 50-yard line just as the teams are ready to kick off. Just time enough to give my group some fast instructions on VIP etiquette. First, don’t root outwardly. As the son of the commissioner and as his friends, we’re expected to be neutral. Second, smile. If you’re talking to the relatives of visiting team owners, compliment their team lavishly – no matter how lousy they’re playing. 

The Eagles lead almost all the way through. But then the Steelers rally. Now, late in the fourth quarter, they’re on the Eagles’ 20 with a chance to win. Something catches my eye in the right corner of the end zone, way up in the stands.

Spectators are bent over what appears to be a fallen body – somebody must have collapsed in the heat. The Steelers’ quarterback throws a pass into the end zone … incomplete. Second down coming up. Somebody is running up the stadium steps with an oxygen tank. Idly, I ask one of my friends for his binoculars and focus on the scene. The man is wearing a brown suit and lying face up on the ground. But what would Bert Bell be doing sitting in the end zone?

Another look. It’s my father. He’s motionless. I jump the railing and start running across the field. People are screaming, “It’s Bert Bell!” For some reason, I’m out of breath after my first few steps. He seems so far away, like a mirage that keeps receding before me.

His face is now covered when I arrive. I ask somebody how he’s doing. No one answers. The scene is swimming all around me. Somebody’s screaming that the damn oxygen tank won’t work … and to think: We got it from the Steelers. "You mean," I ask dumbly, "the Steelers’ oxygen tank doesn’t work?”

The ambulance ride was quick, and his hands were cold. When we got to the hospital, they wheeled him into the waiting room. Everything was noise and confusion. Flash bulbs were popping, and news people were everywhere. A priest was talking quietly in Latin. A reporter was asking for the names and ages of the children. It’s not over yet, I told him. But now my father’s hand felt like a rock, and his face seemed etched in stone.

Other people were asking questions and shedding tears as I left the waiting room and struggled to reach my car. It had been a scene with no redeeming qualities. My father, a quiet man, hadn’t been allowed to die alone, and that was that.

Don’t worry, Dad, I won’t be late next time. And, yes, those cross-country trips were great and I loved those evenings we spent talking about Joe DiMaggio. And I promise I won’t flunk out of school. But, most of all, I forgot to kiss you and say goodbye.

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. Henry Thomas, DT

  43. Bobby Bryant, CB

  42. Tommy Kramer, QB

  41. Kirk Cousins, QB

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 the path that he took to get to the league was a great one.

It took a few years for Carl Lee to hit his stride as a cornerback for the Vikings. He even dabbled at safety his first couple seasons. By his fifth season, he was one of the league’s best cornerbacks. He made three Pro Bowls (should’ve been about five) and was named All-Pro once. 

Until Chuck Foreman joined the team in 1973, the Vikings running game was very much a committee affair. From 1967-70, Dave Osborn was the most productive ballcarrier. He got the tough yards and at times a few more. His 972 yards in 1967 was the franchise record until Foreman rewrote the books in the 1970s. 

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. 

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?

Bobby Bryant played much bigger than his 170 lbs. He played big in big games. He had a pick-six of Roger Staubach in the 1973 NFC Championship game. He returned a blocked a field goal for a touchdown and intercepted two passes in the 1976 NFC Championship game. Bryant’s 51 interceptions rank second to Paul Krause’s 53 interception in franchise history. 

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.

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. He might be one more really good season from becoming QB2 in Vikings franchise history. 

NFL First Round Signing Tracker

Teams are wrapping up their offseason work this week. Up next: Training Camp. Here’s an update of the signing status of the players selected in that first round. 

First Round

1.   Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

2.   Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

3.   Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama

4.   Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

5.   Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

6.   Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State-Signed

7.   Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech-Signed

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas-Signed

9.   Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia-Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee-Signed

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern-Signed

12. Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

13. Green Bay Packers: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia 

15. New York Jets: Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

17. New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

18. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa-Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh-Signed

20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State-Signed 

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU-Signed

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College-Signed

23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC-Signed

24. New York Giants: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland-Signed

25. Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah-Signed

26. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan-Signed

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma-Signed

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson-Signed

29. New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson-Signed

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia-Signed

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State-Signed

***

20 of the 31 players selected in the first round have signed their rookie contracts. 

Knee-Jerk Minicamp Thoughts

With the completion of OTAs and Minicamp, here are some knee-jerk thoughts on the offseason workouts of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Offense

1. Running backs. 

The biggest development came with the anticipated release of Dalvin Cook. That elevated Alexander Mattison to RB1. The switch was expected as soon as Mattison signed a modest extension in March. Kene Nwangwu and Ty Chandler will compete for RB2. At the start of of the offseason, it felt like Chandler had a slight lead. Now, it feels like Nwangwu will enter training camp as RB2. The elite speed of both backs will be a nice change of pace to Mattison’s physical running. Despite missing most of the offseason work, seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride could be a training camp wildcard.

2. Versatility. 

Some versatile offensive players will allow the Vikings to field varied personnel groupings. With fullback C.J. Ham and tight end Josh Oliver on the field, the offense can flip from a 22-power running formation to five-wide without making substitutions. 

One of the biggest offensive issues last season was an inability to make defenses pay for using extra resources to slow Justin Jefferson. Indecision. The Vikings frequent need to get the ball to Jefferson made decisions for the defense real easy. If they can create pre-snap defensive indecision with versatile players and varied formations, moving the ball gets significantly easier. 

3. Receiver competition.

I believe that four receiver spots are pretty much set.

Justin Jefferson

K.J. Osborn

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

If the Vikings keep five receivers, the competition for the fifth spot should be fun. The top contenders:

Jalen Reagor

Brandon Powell

Trishton Jackson

Reagor and Powell are likely the Vikings top punt return candidates. That could play a role in deciding the receiver competition.

Defense

1. Brian Flores.

Hiring Brian Flores was the Vikings best move of the offseason. I sure hope that he’s happy and stays in Minnesota for at least two seasons. Today’s NFL is filled with fast and aggressive offenses. Last season, the Vikings played against those offenses with a slow and passive defense. It was a tough watch. I can not wait to see Flores’ aggressive and versatile defense on the field. 

2. A defense that’s unpredictable.

Imagine that. Having a defense that gives an offense at least a moment of pause before the snap. Who’s blitzing? Who’s dropping? Opposing quarterbacks are going to have a lot of questions. Some of those questions might not be answered until the play is over. It’s going to be fun.

3. Josh Metellus.

If the offseason work is any indication, safety Josh Metellus is going to be a critical defensive player. And he might not even be a starter. He’s been spotted all over the defense in a variety of roles. Pass rusher, run defender, coverage. Continuing to call him a safety will be too limiting. 

4. Cornerback competition.

The only certainty with the Vikings cornerbacks will be Byron Murphy Jr. After that, it’s wide open. Akayleb Evans appears to have the pre-training camp edge to start on the outside opposite Murphy. Andrew Booth Jr. and rookie Mekhi Blackmon are in the mix. In nickel, Murphy is expected to move inside. Some combination of Evans, Booth, and Blackmon look to be the contenders on the outside. Free agent Joejuan Williams should also be in the mix. Cornerback might be the most fun and close competition of training camp. 

5. Defensive line.

The competition along the defensive line is also wide open. Entering training camp, I’m guessing that the top of the three-man defensive line depth chart looks like this:

Harrison Phillips

Khyiris Tonga

Dean Lowry

No offense to Tonga and Lowry, I’m hoping for a front that looks something like this:

Harrison Phillips

Jaquelin Roy

Esezi Otomewo

Perhaps I’m in a rush to get the young guys on the field. I really like the potential of Roy and Otomewo. 

I can’t wait for training camp. 

Minnesota Vikings Running Backs

Through the last two offseasons, change has been a Minnesota Vikings theme. It hit the running back room on Friday with the release of Dalvin Cook. Alexander Mattison is now the leader of the Vikings backfield. 

Minnesota Vikings Running Backs:

Alexander Mattison

Ty Chandler

Kene Nwangwu

DeWayne McBride

and fullback C.J. Ham.

The Vikings are going from Cook’s 1282 carries to 432 combined carries from Mattison, Chandler, and Nwangwu. 

It’s a big change. It’s also a big opportunity for an unproven backfield. Through four seasons, Mattison has proven to be a capable running back. He’s played well nearly every time Cook has come off the field. The main objective for the Vikings running game this offseason and moving forward was and is to become more efficient. They have to turn those frequent 2nd-and-longs into 2nd-and-shorts. Mattison might not have Cook’s ability to score from 70 but he might have a more consistent ability to dent the defense for more than a yard or two on first down. Continued improvement from the offensive line should help the running game. The addition of free agent tight end Josh Oliver should also help. The Vikings running game must improve and it must improve without one of the best backs in franchise history. 

I really have no worries about Mattison being a capable lead back. If he stays healthy, I can easily see him sail past 1,000 yards. With 17 games, a running back only needs about 59 yards per game to top that benchmark. Even in today’s passing NFL, 1,200 yards rushing is probably a more reasonable target for a quality season of running the ball. If an efficient running game is truly the goal of head coach and play caller Kevin O’Connell, Mattison should gain at least 1,200 yards. I’m not worried about Mattison. 

I’m intrigued by the running backs behind Mattison. No one in the Vikings backfield is very big. 

Mattison: 5-11/215

Chandler: 5-11/204

Nwangwu: 6-1/210

McBride: 5-10/209

Mattison will get some chunk yards but he’s more pounder than explosive. Chandler and Nwangwu are explosive. Both have speed. Chandler has run a 4.38 40. Nwangwu has run a blazing 4.29. Both will provide an outstanding change of pace with Mattison. One of the great disappointments of last season was the lack of offensive opportunities for Nwangwu. It felt like his unique explosiveness was wasted. The unknown of the group is the rookie. After an outstanding college career at Alabama-Birmingham, McBride somehow fell to the seventh round. He rushed for 1713 yards and scored 19 TDs last season. His highlights are a blast. I was surprised that he was still available in the seventh round. Perhaps it was his pedestrian 4.52 40. Perhaps it was the level of competition in college. Who knows? I believe that the Vikings got a seventh-round steal. His balance through contact is unique. It’s still so early and I’ve yet to see McBride take an NFL carry but I can’t help thinking that he’ll be the Vikings lead runner in a couple seasons. 

And don’t forget about the versatile and reliable C.J. Ham. 

Change. The Vikings roster has been churning the last two offseasons. That churn hit the running backs last Friday with the release of Cook. After Mattison’s re-signing in March, it became a likely move. Despite being a seventh-round selection, it became even more likely with the addition of McBride. A young, new, and unproven backfield is now tasked with making the Vikings running game more efficient. 

NFL First Round Signing Tracker

Teams are wrapping up their offseason work this week. Up next: Training Camp. Here’s an update of the signing status of the players selected in that first round. 

First Round

1.   Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

2.   Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

3.   Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama

4.   Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

5.   Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois

6.   Arizona Cardinals: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State-Signed

7.   Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech-Signed

8.   Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas-Signed

9.   Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia-Signed

10. Chicago Bears: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee-Signed

11. Tennessee Titans: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern-Signed

12. Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama

13. Green Bay Packers: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa

14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia 

15. New York Jets: Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State

16. Washington Commanders: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State

17. New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

18. Detroit Lions: Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa-Signed

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh

20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State-Signed 

21. Los Angeles Chargers: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU-Signed

22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College

23. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC-Signed

24. New York Giants: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland-Signed

25. Buffalo Bills: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah-Signed

26. Dallas Cowboys: Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan-Signed

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma-Signed

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson-Signed

29. New Orleans Saints: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson-Signed

30. Philadelphia Eagles: Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia-Signed

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State-Signed

***

18 of the 31 players selected in the first round have signed their rookie contracts. There’s been no first-round signing activity since Peter Skoronski became the 18th on May 30th. 

Best Remaining NFL Free Agents

Teams across the NFL will be wrapping up their offseason work this week. If teams decide to supplement their roster from the pool of available players, here are some of the best remaining free agents. A couple of the best available have joined the pool recently. 

Best Remaining NFL Free Agents

  1. Dalvin Cook, RB

  2. DeAndre Hopkins, WR

  3. Yannick Ngakoue, Edge

  4. Dalton Risner, G

  5. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge

  6. Marcus Peters, CB

  7. Melvin Ingram, Edge

  8. Teddy Bridgewater, QB

  9. Justin Houston, Edge

10. John Johnson, S

11. Bryce Callahan, CB

12. Kareem Hunt, RB

13. Ronald Darby, CB

14. Adrian Amos, S

15. Jarvis Landry, WR

16. Shelby Harris, DL

17. Taylor Lewan, OT

18. Leonard Fournette, RB

19. Matt Ioannidis, DL

20. Trey Flowers, Edge

21. Melvin Ingram, Edge

22. Casey Hayward, CB

23. Ben Jones, C

24. Akiem Hicks, DL

25. Julio Jones, WR

I imagine that the Top 3 should have jobs soon. 

Best Minnesota Vikings To Wear Each Number

With “0” becoming an available uniform number this season, I was thinking about the best Minnesota Vikings to wear each number. Six numbers have been retired.

10: Fran Tarkenton

53: Mick Tingelhoff

70: Jim Marshall

77: Korey Stringer

80: Cris Carter

88: Alan Page

Those numbers are forever taken by the greats that wore them.

Some of the numbers have been worn very well by more than one player.

20: Tommy Mason and Bobby Bryant

22: Paul Krause and Harrison Smith

26: Robert Smith and Antoine Winfield

28: Ahmad Rashad and Adrian Peterson

55: Scott Studwell and Anthony Barr

81: Carl Eller and Anthony Carter

85: Paul Flatley and Sammy White

It’s difficult to find a single player of note that wore some numbers: 2, 6, 13, 38, 48, etc. 

Here are the best Minnesota Vikings to wear each number.

  0: Marcus Davenport

  1: Warren Moon

  2: Darren Bennett

  3: Jeff George

  4: Brett Favre

  5: Teddy Bridgewater

  6: Taylor Heinicke

  7: Randall Cunningham

  8: Kirk Cousins

  9: Tommy Kramer

10: Fran Tarkenton

11: Joe Kapp

12: Percy Harvin

13: Shaun Hill

14: Stefon Diggs

15: Gary Cuozzo

16: Rich Gannon

17: Bob Berry

18: Justin Jefferson

19: Adam Thielen

20: Bobby Bryant

21: Terry Allen

22: Paul Krause

23: Ted Brown

24: Robert Griffith

25: Alexander Mattison

26: Antoine Winfield

27: Brian Russell

28: Adrian Peterson

29: Karl Kassulke

30: Bill Brown

31: Scottie Graham

32: Toby Gerhart

33: Dalvin Cook

34: Rickey Young

35: Marcus Sherels

36: Allen Rice

37: Jimmy Hitchcock

38: Todd Scott

39: Husain Abdullah

40: Jim Kleinsasser

41: Dave Osborn

42: John Gilliam

43: Nate Wright

44: Chuck Foreman

45: Ed Sharockman

46: Cullen Loeffler

47: Joey Browner

48: Sammy Johnson

49: Dale Hackbart

50: Jeff Siemon

51: Jim Hough

52: Chad Greenway

53: Mick Tingelhoff

54: Eric Kendricks

55: Anthony Barr

56: E.J. Henderson

57: Mike Merriweather

58: Wally Hilgenberger

59: Matt Blair

60: Roy Winston

61: Wes Hamilton

62: Ed White

63: Kirk Lowdermilk

64: Randall McDaniel

65: Gary Zimmerman

66: Terry Tausch

67: Dennis Swilley

68: Charles Goodrum

69: Jared Allen

70: Jim Marshall

71: Christian Darrisaw

72: Jason Fisk

73: Ron Yary

74: Bryant McKinnie

75: Brian O’Neill

76: Steve Hutchinson

77: Korey Stringer

78: Matt Birk

79: Doug Martin

80: Cris Carter

81: Carl Eller

82: Kyle Rudolph

83: Stu Voigt

84: Randy Moss

85: Sammy White

86: Mike Mularkey

87: Leo Lewis

88: Alan Page

89: Travis Taylor

90: Fred Evans

91: Stephen Weatherly

92: Roy Barker

93: John Randle

94: Pat Williams

95: Sharrif Floyd

96: Brian Robison

97: Everson Griffen

98: Linval Joseph

99: Danielle Hunter

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. Sammy White, WR

  52. Matt Birk, C

  51. Stefon Diggs, 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. 

John Gilliam carried the Vikings great receiver tradition in the early 1970s. His specialty was the big play. During his four years in Minnesota, Gilliam averaged 20 yards per catch. Over his first three years with the Vikings, he averaged a ridiculous 22, 21.6, and 22.2 yards per catch. His departure after the 1975 season was my introduction to a player’s often fleeting time with a team. 

Anthony Barr was 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 was a very good, often great, football player but he rarely got the attention or recognition that he deserved. 

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. 

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 Diggs in Buffalo. 

Thank You, Dalvin Cook

Six years isn’t long enough. 

After an offseason overflowing with speculation, the Minnesota Vikings will be parting ways, in some fashion, with running back Dalvin Cook. Unless a last-minute trade offer comes through, he will be released today. 

It’s an unfortunate but expected outcome. It’s unfortunate because Cook has been one of the best and most fun running backs in Vikings franchise history. After two, injury-riddled seasons, he’s been rolling. Over the past four seasons, Cook has been one of the league’s best backs. 

2019: 

250 carries

1135 yards

4.5 avg/carry

13 TDs

53 catches

519 yards

2020:

312 carries

1557 yards

5.0 avg/carry

16 TDs

44 catches 

361 yards

1 TD

2021:

249 carries

1159 yards

4.7 avg/carry

6 TDs

34 catches

224 yards

2022:

264 carries

1173 yards

4.4 avg/carry

8 TDs

39 catches

295 yards

2 TDs

He was selected to the Pro Bowl after each of the past four seasons and received All-Pro recognition in 2020. 

He played through shoulder issues for most of the past two seasons. Issues that forced him to essentially play with one arm. Despite that, last season was the first season in which Cook played every game on the schedule. He had surgery on that shoulder soon after the 2022 season. At 28, he’s probably as healthy as he’s ever been in his NFL career. 

Cook’s departure became an expected outcome when the Vikings signed backup running Alexander Mattison to a contract extension. It wasn’t a bank-busting extension but it was enough to make having two backs with contracts of substance a bit excessive. Cook’s departure became even more expected when the Vikings selected DeWayne McBride in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite being selected in the seventh round, he’s a back with intriguing potential. It’s early but I can see McBride being the team’s “franchise back” in a couple years. Anyway, the Vikings now have a crowded backfield. The crowding of that backfield this offseason was a clear sign that the team was moving away from their most expensive and one of their best playmakers. 

Dalvin Cook has been a fun, terrific running back since he was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In a draft filled with talented backs, Cook was right with Christian McCaffrey as one of the best. Cook was a first round talent that slid to the second round because of off-the-field concerns. The Vikings took a chance and Cook has been very appreciative of that. He sought to reward their faith in him. He did. A torn ACL ended his rookie season just when he was ramping into stardom. His absence was severely missed during a season that ended in the NFC Championship game. Hamstring issues reduced his second season to 11 games. Since then, he’s been dynamite. Even while he was navigating those early injuries, he was dynamite. Through his six seasons in Minnesota, he developed into a team leader. He was a leader in word and action. He’s been one of my favorite players. Six years isn’t nearly long enough. 

I have a tough time with today’s annual roster churn. Perhaps it stems from coming up as a fan in the 1970s. Those Vikings teams rarely changed from year to year. Rookies were added each year. Veterans aged out of the league. Although many of those Vikings veterans didn’t age out until they were damn near 40. There was no free agency. Many of today’s fans only know this annual churn. It even seems like some encourage it. They are quick to toss any emotional ties to a player. Maybe they never had any. I find the roster churn painful and this has been a painful offseason.

Adam Thielen

Eric Kendricks

Dalvin Cook

Include Patrick Peterson and the Vikings lost four of their captains and four of their most impactful and influential team leaders. Thielen, Kendricks, and Cook are franchise greats. All three are serious contenders for the Vikings Ring of Honor. They are certainly in my Ring of Honor. 

Dalvin Cook was, and still is, a special football player. He’s far from done. The burst. The vision. The versatility. It’s all still there. He should also again have full use of both arms. I’m going to miss him.