Minnesota Vikings Roster: Early Tweaks And Practice Squad

The Minnesota Vikings initial 53-man roster didn’t hold for even 24 hours. There were a couple early tweaks.

In:

RB Myles Gaskin

Out:

Jalen Reagor

In:

David Quessenberry

Moved to Injured Reserve:

RB Kene Nwangwu

Due to an undisclosed injury, running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu hasn’t practiced in about a month. That left Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler and fullback C.J. Ham as the only healthy backs on the initial roster. It’s no surprise that the Vikings signed Myles Gaskin after he was released by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday. After a terrific college career at Washington, Gaskin had a productive four years in Miami. He has run-catch versatility and should be a nice fit with what the Vikings expect from their running backs. 

The Vikings initial 53-man roster had only eight offensive linemen. The team’s decision-makers had to be scanning the list of tackles, guards, and centers that were released this week. From that list, David Quessenberry was signed. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth-round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of San Jose State. He was placed on injured reserve early in his rookie season. It was in 2014 that his NFL career and life left the rails. After dealing with fatigue and a persistent cough, Quessenberry was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. After completing cancer treatments and overcoming the illness, he returned to football and took part in OTAs with the Texans in May 2017. He played for the Tennessee Titans from 2019-22 and the Buffalo Bills in 2022. The Bills released him this week. Over five NFL seasons, Quessenberry played in 51 games, 26 starts. The bulk of those starts came in 2021 when he started all 17 games for the Titans. He’s an experienced, proficient football player with an unusual NFL life and career. 

While making early tweaks to the initial 53-man roster yesterday, the Vikings started putting together their 16-man practice squad. The majority of the practice squad is made up of players that were with the team throughout training camp.

66 Alan Ali, OL

35 C.J. Coldon Jr., CB

52 Sheldon Day, DL

15 Lucky Jackson, WR

  9 Trishton Jackson, WR

37 DeWayne McBride, RB

50 T.J. Smith, DL

89 Thayer Thomas, WR

43 Luiji Vilain, OLB

51 Benton Whitley, OLB

38 Jaylin Williams, CB

29 Joejuan Williams, CB

There were scattered reports that the Vikings were stocking up on offensive linemen released by other teams.

OL Hakeem Adenjii (Bengals)

OL Tyrese Robinson (Eagles)

OL Henry Byrd (Broncos)

Hakeem Adenjii was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Kansas. He played in 46 games, 22 starts, over the past three seasons. One of those starts was Super Bowl LVI. He’s played left tackle, right tackle, and right guard.

Tyrese Robinson was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted out of Oklahoma in 2022. He spent last year on the Eagles practice squad. 

Henry Byrd was signed by the Denver Broncos after going undrafted out of Princeton in 2023. 

As for the 16th spot on the practice squad, Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Vikings are bringing back linebacker Nick Vigil. 

Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

Yesterday, the Minnesota Vikings trimmed the roster to 53 players. It’s really an initial 53-man roster. There will be changes before the team gets to their first game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 9/10.

Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster

Offense (25)

Quarterback (3)

  8 Kirk Cousins

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

Running Back (3)

  2 Alexander Mattison

32 Ty Chandler

26 Kene Nwangwu

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (6)

18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

  3 Jordan Addison

83 Jalen Nailor

19 Brandon Powell

  5 Jalen Reagor

Tight End (4)

87 T. J. Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

Offensive Linemen (8)

71 Christian Darrisaw

72 Ezra Cleveland

56 Garrett Bradbury 

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

64 Blake Brandel

65 Austin Schlottman

74 Oli Udoh

Defense (25)

Defensive Line (5)

94 Dean Lowry

95 Khyiris Tonga

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jonathan Bullard

78 Jaquelin Roy

Outside Linebacker (5)

99 Danielle Hunter

  0 Marcus Davenport

91 Patrick Jones

98 D.J.Wonnum

55 Andre Carter II

Inside Linebacker (4)

33 Brian Asamoah

58 Jordan Hicks

40 Ivan Pace Jr. 

45 Troy Dye 

Cornerback (5)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

11 Mekhi Blackmon

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

36 Najee Thompson

Safety (6)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

  6 Lewis Cine

44 Josh Metellus

20 Jay Ward

25 Theo Jackson

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

***

There really weren’t many surprises. Six safeties might be a surprise. It shouldn’t be as head coach Kevin O’Connell hinted at it. With the performance of those six safeties through training camp and preseason games, it seemed like it was heading that direction. I actually thought that six safeties might come at the expense of the receivers. It didn’t. There are six receivers on the roster. Ultimately, the six safeties may have come at the expense of the cornerbacks. Najee Thompson made the roster for special teams. So, there’s really only four corners on the roster. With the position versatility of safeties Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, and Camryn Bynum as well as significant use of three safety alignments, the Vikings defense should be fine with four corners. As long as everyone stays healthy. That can be said for all positions. Eight offensive linemen is light. I’m guessing that Chris Reed will make it nine when he returns from the non-football injury list. 

It didn’t take long for the Vikings to tweak the initial 53-man roster. It was reported this morning that running back Myles Gaskin, released by the Miami Dolphins, is signing to the active roster. An immediate thought is that Kene Nwangwu might start the season on the PUP list. 

Roster Trimming

It’s roster-trimming time across the NFL. All teams have to reach the 53 player roster limit by 1pm PT today. The Minnesota Vikings started the roster trimming yesterday. It started with a trade. The Vikings traded second-year offensive tackle Vederian Lowe to the New England Patriots for a 2024 sixth-round pick. This was a surprise as it appeared that Lowe had emerged as perhaps the team’s top backup tackle. Now, he’s in New England and the Vikings have Oli Udoh and Blake Brandel as tackle depth. 

After the trade of Lowe, the Vikings released 17 players.

Waived

DL Calvin Avery

CB Kalon Barnes

DL Ross Blacklock

CB C.J. Coldon Jr.

DL Sheldon Day

OT Christian DiLauro

CB Jameson Houston

LB Wilson Huber

WR Garrett Maag

RB Abram Smith

OL Josh Sokol

QB Jordan Ta’amu

TE Colin Thompson

OT Jarrid Williams

Terminated, Vested Veteran

LB Jake Gervase

LB Tanner Vallejo

Waived/Injured

CB Tay Gowan

That brings the Vikings roster to 73 players. 20 more players must be trimmed to reach the 53-man roster limit. It’s a rough day. As many as 16 of those players could be added to the practice squad. 

A Final Guess At The Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings roster countdown that matters is tomorrow. So, who will and won’t be on the roster has been on my mind. Here’s another guess as to what the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster might look like.  

A Final Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster Projection

Offense (23)

Quarterback (3)

  8 Kirk Cousins

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

The only real question with the quarterbacks is whether to keep three. 

Running Back (3)

  2 Alexander Mattison

32 Ty Chandler

26 Kene Nwangwu

Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler are set. Kene Nwangwu is a concern. He’s been out for about three weeks with an undisclosed injury. If Nwangwu doesn’t get back soon, seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride might take his roster spot. 

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (5)

18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

  3 Jordan Addison

83 Jalen Nailor

19 Brandon Powell

I believe that the top four receivers are pretty much a lock. Jalen Nailor returned last week from the injury he suffered early in training camp. He must stay on the field. After the top four, it’s an interesting battle. I think Brandon Powell has an edge over Jalen Reagor. Trishton Jackson is in the mix. The close competition could force the Vikings to keep six receivers. For this exercise, I have five receivers in order to keep some players on defense. 

Tight End (3)

87 T. J. Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse might force the Vikings to keep four tight ends or challenge Johnny Mundt for the third spot. 

Offensive Linemen (8)

71 Christian Darrisaw

72 Ezra Cleveland

56 Garrett Bradbury 

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

64 Blake Brandel

65 Austin Schlottman

74 Oli Udoh

Eight offensive linemen is fairly light. With the trade of Vederian Lowe to the New England Patriots, I can’t find a ninth offensive lineman. Perhaps the ninth spot is being reserved for Chris Reed. He’s been on the non-football injury list for the entirety of training camp. 

Defense (27)

Defensive Line (6)

94 Dean Lowry

95 Khyiris Tonga

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jonathan Bullard

78 Jaquelin Roy

90 Esezi Otomewo

The season-ending knee injury to James Lynch jumbled this group a bit. Projected starters Dean Lowry, Khyiris Tonga, and Harrison Phillips are safe. Fifth-round rookie Jaquelin Roy is safe. His position versatility is a plus. Jonathan Bullard was out of uniform, on the sideline, and appeared to be actively coaching during the final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. All of which seemed to indicate that he’s on the team. I had Bullard on the roster bubble. The defensive lineman that’s on the bubble is Esezi Otomewo. 

Outside Linebacker (6)

99 Danielle Hunter

  0 Marcus Davenport

91 Patrick Jones

98 D.J.Wonnum

43 Luiji Vilain

55 Andre Carter II

This group’s giving me problems. Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Patrick Jones II are set as the top three edge rushers. Luiji Vilain has only improved every day since he was signed as an undrafted free agent last year. He’s provided consistent pressure in preseason games. I think that he’s played his way onto the roster. Andre Carter’s potential and freakish talent are too great to cut. It might take a bit for him to become the player he has the talent to be but it’s worth the wait. He had some nice moments against the Seahawks. I didn’t see similar moments against the Titans or Cardinals. Maybe the Vikings keep six outside linebackers but D.J. Wonnum could be traded or a surprise cut. He has a role on this team but in a roster number crunch I think I prefer youngsters Vilain and Carter. 

Inside Linebacker (4)

33 Brian Asamoah

58 Jordan Hicks

40 Ivan Pace Jr. 

45 Troy Dye 

Brian Asamoah, Jordan Hicks, Ivan Pace Jr. are set. Pace has played his way past just being a backup. He’s earned regular snaps. If I was defensive coordinator Brian Flores and inside linebacker coach Mike Siravo, I’d be so tempted to run with Asamoah and Pace as the starters this season. After that, it’s a battle between the Troys, Dye and Reeder. I have Dye on the roster.

Cornerback (6)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

11 Mekhi Blackmon

29 Joejuan Williams

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

36 Najee Thompson

My biggest concern with the cornerbacks has been the play of last years second-round pick, Andrew Booth Jr. Injuries have been his biggest problem. Many fans have already deposited him in the bust bin. I’ve been slow to agree with those fans. His blown coverage against the Seahawks allowed a touchdown. He’s too talented to let a receiver like Jake Bobo turn him around like that. For now, I still have Booth on the roster. He has great potential but patience has to be getting thin with him. Najee Thompson was signed as an undrafted free agent this year for his special teams skills. He showed those skills in the first two preseason games. I’m sure that special teams coordinator Matt Daniels is pounding the table, floor, and ceiling for Thompson. I believe that he’s earned a roster spot. He appears headed to special teams stardom. 

Safety (5)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

  6 Lewis Cine

44 Josh Metellus

20 Jay Ward

Like the outside linebackers, the safeties are giving me a lot of problems. I have Theo Jackson as a very difficult cut. He’s probably outplayed, in practice and preseason games, Lewis Cine and Jay Ward. Cine and Ward are first- and fourth-round picks of the current regime. Jackson has worked and played his way on to this roster. It’s painful, even in exercise, to not have him on it. 

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

I’m so glad that the real decisions aren’t mine. 

Minnesota Vikings Preseason Game #3

The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up another winless preseason yesterday. 

The Baltimore Ravens triumphantly won more than two dozen preseason games. The Vikings have now lost their last ten preseason games. 

Who cares? 

More important than the 18-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals is the play of the Vikings on the field yesterday. 

It all starts with the quarterback. In the first two preseason games, Jaren Hall looked like the project that he was drafted to be. An overwhelmed project. Granted, his line did him no favors but he struggled in the first two preseason games. Yesterday, Hall looked like a legit quarterback prospect. Perhaps his NFL future is as a journeyman backup. Yesterday, he showed that he might be something more. If nothing else came out of another 0-3 preseason, that is a very big something. 

Jaren Hall played his way onto the Vikings 53-man roster. 

Others that may have played their way onto the roster:

DeWayne McBride

Jaquelin Roy

Jay Ward

Add in roster automatics Jordan Addison and Mekhi Blackmon, the entire 2023 draft class probably played their way onto the roster. 

Throw in undrafted rookies Ivan Pace Jr., Najee Thompson, and maybe even Andre Carter II and the Vikings might have nine rookies on the 53-man roster. 

Yesterday, the Cardinals played to win. They won. It’s time for the season, the real games. 

Minnesota Vikings 91-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings will play the Arizona Cardinals in their third, and final, “game” of the 2023 preseason. After a couple of joint practices this week, not many, if any, of the Vikings projected starters are expected to play. In his second season as head coach, Kevin O’Connell has shown a clear preference to get his starters reps in these practices with other teams rather than the “games” with other teams. It’s a growing trend across the league. Use these joint practices as a ramp-up to the season for the top-half of the roster. Use the preseason games to help in the decision-making on the bottom-half of the roster. 

In the past week, the Vikings have made some tweaks to the roster. The last-minute roster additions likely serve the purpose of providing “camp bodies” or a “game body” at positions of need. Days aren’t enough to make a team. With backup Nick Mullens likely joining starter Kirk Cousins as a spectator against the Cardinals, Jordan Ta’Amu was signed to assist rookie Jaren Hall with the quarterbacking. Safety/linebacker Jake Gervase was also signed this week. The transaction listed safety as his position. He played safety and linebacker during his four years with the Los Angeles Rams. He’s sporting a “54” on his jersey for his week-long audition with the Vikings. Cornerback Jameson was signed yesterday. To make room for three late roster additions, edge rusher Curtis Weavcr, receiver N’Keal Harry, and offensive lineman Chim Ookrafor were released. 

On the day of the third, and final, game of the 2023 Preseason, here’s the Minnesota Vikings 91-man roster. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense (44)

Quarterback (4)

  8 Kirk Cousins

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

  4 Jordan Ta’amu

Running Back (6)

  2 Alexander Mattison 

26 Kene Nwangwu

32 Ty Chandler

37 DeWayne McBride

41 Abram Smith

46 Aaron Dykes

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (12)

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

15 Lucky Jackson

82 Garrett Maag

28 Jacob Copeland

Tight End (6)

87 T. J Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

49 Ben Sims

48 Colin Thompson

Offensive Linemen (15)

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 (NFI)

74 Oli Udoh

79 Vederian Lowe

60 Josh Sokol

66 Alan Ali

61 Christian DiLauro

68 Jack Snyder

76 Jarrid Williams

Defense (44)

Defensive Line (11)

94 Dean Lowry

97 Harrison Phillips

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 (7)

99 Danielle Hunter

  0 Marcus Davenport

98 D.J.Wonnum

91 Patrick Jones

43 Luiji Vilain

51 Benton Whitley

57 Andre Carter  II

Inside Linebacker (8)

33 Brian Asamoah

58 Jordan Hicks

45 Troy Dye

59 Troy Reeder

40 Ivan Pace Jr. 

57 Wilson Huber

39 Abraham Beauplan

49 Tanner Vallejo

Cornerback (11)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

11 Mekhi Blackmon

23 Andrew Booth Jr. 

29 Joejuan Williams

31 Tay Gowan

27 Kalon Barnes

38 Jaylin Williams

36 NaJee Thompson

35 C. J. Coldon 

47 Jameson Houston

Safety (7)

22 Harrison Smith

  6 Lewis Cine

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

20 Jay Ward

25 Theo Jackson

54 Jake Gervase

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

***

Injured Reserve

92 James Lynch, DL

Minnesota Vikings Roster Locks

The Minnesota Vikings wrap up their three-game preseason schedule tomorrow against the Arizona Cardinals. It’s the last big opportunity for the players that are on the roster bubble. On Tuesday, the Vikings will reduce the 91-man roster to the final 53. Here’s a guess at the players that have little-to-no worries heading into cutdown day. The roster locks:

Quarterback (2)

Kirk Cousins

Nick Mullens

Running Back (2)

Alexander Mattison 

Ty Chandler

Fullback (1)

C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (4)

Justin Jefferson

K.J. Osborn

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Tight End (3)

T. J Hockenson

Josh Oliver

Johnny Mundt

Offensive Linemen (9)

Christian Darrisaw

Ezra Cleveland

Garrett Bradbury 

Ed Ingram

Brian O’Neill

Blake Brandel

Austin Schlottman

Oli Udoh

Vederian Lowe

Defensive Line (4)

Dean Lowry

Harrison Phillips

Khyiris Tonga

Jaquelin Roy

Outside Linebacker (3)

Danielle Hunter

Marcus Davenport

Patrick Jones II

Inside Linebacker (3)

Brian Asamoah

Jordan Hicks

Ivan Pace Jr. 

Cornerback (6)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Akayleb Evans

Mekhi Blackmon

Joejuan Williams

Andrew Booth Jr.

NaJee Thompson

Safety (5)

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus

Lewis Cine

Kicker (1)

Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

That’s 45 roster locks. At least, it’s one person’s opinion on the roster locks. If accurate, that leaves 8 roster spots that are up for grabs. One could argue that it’s a stretch to consider cornerback/special teams Najee Thompson a roster lock. His performance as a gunner in the first two preseason games is all I need to see. He’s on the roster. 

Eight open spots? Rookie quarterback Jaren Hall, linebacker Troy Dye, and outside linebacker Luiji Vilain are probably safe. That leaves five open spots. Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum is a wildcard for me. He’s probably safe but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded or possibly even cut. I believe that the Vikings want to get undrafted free agent Andre Carter II on the roster. His play hasn’t warranted a roster spot but his talent and potential is so great. 

Needs for the remaining five:

1 Running back (Kene Nwangwu)

1/2 Receivers (Brandon Powell, Jalen Reagor, Trishton Jackson, Thayer Thomas)

1/2 Defensive lineman (Esezi Otomewo, Jonathan Bullard, Ross Blacklock)

1 Outside linebacker (D.J. Wonnum, Andre Carter II)

Safety Theo Jackson

If Kene Nwangwu is healthy, he’s on the roster as the third running back and kick returner. At receiver, Brandon Powell has probably played his way onto the roster. On the defensive line, I like Esezi Otomewo but Jonathan Bullard has probably been the more consistent/reliable player. Five defensive linemen is light. Marcus Davenport should probably provide some interior versatility. Perhaps the Vikings can afford to go a little light. As for outside linebacker, I’m probably leaning Andre Carter II due to his freakish potential but D.J. Wonnum is the safer choice for the present. 

If all of this is accurate, the most interesting roster decision might be a sixth receiver vs a sixth safety. That decision might be Jalen Reagor vs Theo Jackson. 

Some of these tough roster decisions might force the Vikings into hoping that they can get Jaren Hall on the practice squad. 

Again, I’m glad these decisions aren’t mine. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Senior Finalists

The Senior finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 have been announced.

Randy Gradishar

Art Powell

Steve McMichael

I didn’t really need any further convincing but this confirms that the Hall voters, in particular the Seniors Committee, have either no clue or no interest in dealing with players that played before 1960. 

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has a mission statement.

“Honor the Greatest of the Game. Preserve Its History. Promote Its Values and Celebrate Excellence Togethers.”

Considering recent voting, the above should be amended to honoring the greatest of the game since 1970. If the voters have no interest in considering players that played before their lifetime, they probably shouldn’t be voters. If they grumble and refuse to research players that they never watched, they shouldn’t be voters. The growing apathy among the voters toward to the first 50 years of the NFL is ridiculous. 

This should be a celebration of the three former players that were selected. Instead, I can’t help but think of the players that weren’t. Former Philadelphia Eagles two-way lineman Al Wistert should’ve received his Hall bust long before he passed in 2016. If he’d played his great career in the 1980s rather than the 1940s, he’d be inducted in his first year of eligibility. He’d make it if he played on the offensive line. He’d make it if he played on the defensive line. He did both. He should’ve made it long ago. Because of the ridiculous apathy and laziness of the voters, he’s still waiting. 

Eddie Meador? Still waiting.

Maxie Baughan? Still waiting.

Verne Lewellen? Wasn’t even selected as a semifinalist.

Lavvie Dilweg? Wasn’t even selected as a semifinalist.

Ox Emerson? Wasn’t even selected as a semifinalist. 

To address the deserving players that played prior to the 1960s, the number of Senior finalists was boosted to three for the Classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025. How did the Senior Committee use those additional spots this year? They selected three players that played since 1960.

Upton Bell is the son of former NFL Commissioner Bert Bell. He grew up with the NFL. He worked in the NFL as a scout and executive. He’s watched damn near every player that’s played in the league. He had this to say about the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Senior Finalists.

“This is the weakest Seniors Class I’ve seen. Gradishar is the only passable one. Powell caught passes against DBs that would never qualify in the NFL. McMichael was a good defensive lineman on a great Bear team & all of a sudden he appears on semifinalist lists. The voters dismissed the 50s.”

Randy Gradishar should’ve been inducted long ago. He was one of the league’s best and most consistent defensive players throughout his career. His long Hall absence was a mystery. Finally, he’s received the honor that he’s long deserved.

I was hoping/expecting a Senior Finalist trio that looked something like this:

Al Wistert

Randy Gradishar

Eddie Meador/Maxie Baughan/Sterling Sharpe

I’d be able to get behind the Powell and McMichael selections if it was done after Dilweg, Lewellen, Emerson, Wistert, Meador, and Baughan were inducted. 

There were three receivers among the 12 semifinalists. I had Powell third behind Sterling Sharpe and Otis Taylor. I really thought this was Sharpe’s year. I was stunned by the selection of McMichael. With those great Bears defenses, I was always more impressed/concerned with their linebackers than their linemen. If I was to put a third player from a great defensive line in Canton, I’d start with Jim Marshall. Hell, I’d pick a second Steeler defensive lineman (L.C. Greenwood) before I’d even consider a third Bear. 

Congratulations to Randy Gradishar, Art Powell, and Steve McMichael. Now, I have a year to somehow get behind the inclusion of Powell and McMichael. 

Minnesota Vikings Receivers

I’m glad that Minnesota Vikings roster decisions aren’t mine. I have no idea how to deal with the team’s receivers. Beyond the top three, maybe four, it’s wide open.

The Receivers:

Justin Jefferson

K.J. Osborn

Jordan Addison

Jalen Nailor

Brandon Powell

Jalen Reagor

Trishton Jackson

N’Keal Harry

Blake Proehl

Thayer Thomas

Jacob Copeland

Lucky Jackson

Garrett Maag

13 receivers. I can come up with reasons to include as many as ten of them on the final roster. In Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, and Jordan Addison the Vikings can, on potential, boast one of the best receiving trios in the league. If not for the injury on the first day of camp, Jalen Nailor would probably make it one of the best quartets in the league. He returned to practice this week. Hopefully, he can stay on the field. If Nailor returns to the form he showed in the offseason, four receivers are likely set. After that, it’s wide open.

Do the Vikings keep five or six receivers? More often than not, my answer is five. Due to scheme and special teams needs, I see the Vikings decision-makers with a final roster than leans toward the defense. Perhaps even a 23:27 offense:defense roster. Unless Nailor has a setback, that leaves one open receiver spot. 

Brandon Powell, Jalen Reagor, Trishton Jackson, N’Keal Harry, Thayer Thomas, Blake Proehl….

Powell and Reagor return kicks. Jackson keeps making plays. Harry provides size that the Vikings really don’t have. Rookie Thomas just gets open. Proehl has stuck with the team for a few years just getting open. 

The decision probably comes down to Powell or Reagor because of their return ability. I probably lean Powell more often than not. Then there’s the speed and explosiveness of Reagor that head coach Kevin O’Connell was quick to mention when asked about the receivers. 

Then there’s this. Maybe a receiver, or more, passed Nailor while he was out with the injury. Who knows? I sure don’t. I’m glad these roster decisions aren’t mine to make. 

Another Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection

The Minnesota Vikings roster countdown that matters is one week from today. So, who will and won’t be on the roster has been on my mind. Here’s another guess as to what the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster might look like.  

Another Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster Projection

Offense (23)

Quarterback (2)

  8 Kirk Cousins

12 Nick Mullens

Here’s hoping that fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall can make it to the practice squad. 

Running Back (3)

  2 Alexander Mattison

32 Ty Chandler

26 Kene Nwangwu

Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler are set. Kene Nwangwu is a concern. He’s been out for about two weeks with an undisclosed injury. If Nwangwu doesn’t get back soon, seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride or recent addition Aaron Dykes might take his roster spot. 

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (5)

18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

  3 Jordan Addison

83 Jalen Nailor

19 Brandon Powell

I still believe that the top four receivers are pretty much a lock. Jalen Nailor returned yesterday from the injury he suffered early in training camp. He must stay on the field. After the top four, it’s an interesting battle. I think Brandon Powell might have an edge over Jalen Reagor. If he can return soon from an injury, Trishton Jackson is in the mix. So is recently signed N’Keal Harry. The Vikings don’t have a receiver with Harry’s size. That might work in his favor. The close competition could force the Vikings to keep six receivers. For this exercise, I have receiver numbers light in order to keep some players on defense. 

Tight End (3)

87 T. J Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse might force the Vikings to keep four tight ends or challenge Johnny Mundt for the third spot. 

Offensive Linemen (9)

71 Christian Darrisaw

72 Ezra Cleveland

56 Garrett Bradbury 

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

64 Blake Brandel

65 Austin Schlottman

74 Oli Udoh

79 Vederian Lowe

The offensive line feels fairly straightforward. Chris Reed has been on the Non-football injury list since the start of training camp. If he returns perhaps he’s in the interior offensive line mix. 

Defense (27)

Defensive Line (6)

94 Dean Lowry

95 Khyiris Tonga

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jonathan Bullard

90 Esezi Otomewo

78 Jaquelin Roy

The season-ending knee injury to James Lynch jumbled this group a bit. Projected starters Dean Lowry, Khyiris Tonga, and Harrison Phillips are safe. Fifth-round rookie Jaquelin Roy played well early in camp, missed some time with an injury, and has returned. He’s probably safe. I believe second-year Esezi Otomewo is safe as well. He’s played some on the edge in practices and in preseason games. His position versatility is a plus. That leaves a battle between Jonathan Bullard and Ross Blacklock for the sixth spot. This projection doesn’t provide a big-body backup to Tonga. 

Outside Linebacker (6)

99 Danielle Hunter

  0 Marcus Davenport

91 Patrick Jones

98 D.J.Wonnum

43 Luiji Vilain

55 Andre Carter II

This group’s giving me problems. Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Patrick Jones II are set as the top three edge rushers. Luiji Vilain has only improved every day since he was signed as an undrafted free agent last year. He’s provided consistent pressure in preseason games. I think that he’s played his way onto the roster. Andre Carter’s potential and freakish talent are too great to cut. It might take a bit to become the player he has the talent to be but it’s worth the wait. He had some nice moments against the Seahawks. I didn’t see similar moments against the Titans. Maybe the Vikings keep six outside linebackers but D.J. Wonnum could be traded or a surprise cut. He has a role on this team but I think I prefer youngsters Vilain and Carter. 

Inside Linebacker (4)

33 Brian Asamoah

58 Jordan Hicks

40 Ivan Pace Jr. 

45 Troy Dye 

Brian Asamoah, Jordan Hicks, Ivan Pace Jr. are set. Pace has played his way past just being a backup. He’s earned regular snaps. If I was defensive coordinator Brian Flores and inside linebacker coach Mike Siravo, I’d be so tempted to run with Asamoah and Pace as the starters this season. After that, it’s a battle between the Troys, Dye and Reeder. 

Cornerback (6)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

11 Mekhi Blackmon

29 Joejuan Williams

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

36 Najee Thompson

My biggest concern with the cornerbacks has been the play of last years second-round pick, Andrew Booth Jr. Injuries have been his biggest problem. Many fans have already deposited him in the bust bin. I’ve been slow to agree with those fans. His blown coverage against the Seahawks allowed a touchdown. He’s too talented to let a receiver like Jake Bobo turn him around like that. For now, I still have Booth on the roster. He’s too talented but patience has to be getting thin with him. Tay Gowan and Jaylin Williams are on his heels. Najee Thompson was signed as an undrafted free agent this year for his special teams skills. He showed those skills in both preseason games. I’m sure that special teams coordinator Matt Daniels is pounding the table, floor, and ceiling for Thompson. I believe that he’s earned a roster spot. He appears headed to special teams stardom. 

Safety (5)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

  6 Lewis Cine

44 Josh Metellus

20 Jay Ward

Like the outside linebackers, the safeties are giving me a lot of problems. I have Theo Jackson as a very difficult cut. He’s probably outplayed, in practice and preseason games, Lewis Cine and Jay Ward. Cine and Ward are first- and fourth-round picks of the current regime. Jackson has worked and played his way on to this roster. It’s painful, even in exercise, to not have him on it. 

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

I’m so glad that the real decisions aren’t mine. 

NFL’s Best Stadiums

The Athletic released a ranking of the NFL’s best stadiums. Beat writers for each of the league’s 32 teams ranked their five best and five worst stadiums. From those votes, the Athletic ranked all 30 stadiums from best to worst. Here are the results.

1.   US Bank Stadium, Minnesota Vikings

2.   SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles Rams/Chargers

3.   Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers

4.   AT&T Stadium, Dallas Cowboys

5.   Lumen Field, Seattle Seahawks 

6.   GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City Chiefs

7.   Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas Raiders

8.   Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Falcons

9.   Empower Field at Mile High, Denver Broncos

10. Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh Steelers

11. M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore Ravens

12. Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco 49ers

13. Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Colts 

14. Ford Field, Detroit Lions

15. Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles 

16. NRG Stadium, Houston Texans

17. State Farm Stadium, Arizona Cardinals

18. Nissan Stadium, Tennessee Titans

19. Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland Browns

20. Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

21. Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots 

22. Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers

23. Soldier Field, Chicago Bears

24. Highmark Stadium, Buffalo Bills

25. MetLife Stadium, New York Giants/Jets

26. Caesars Supredome, New Orleans Saints

27. Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati Bengals 

28. Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Dolphins 

29. TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville Jaguars

30. FedEx Field, Washington Commanders

***

It’s really no surprise that US Bank Stadium is ranked as the best stadium in the league. I was there once in 2019 for a beautiful stomping of the Philadelphia Eagles. It was an incredible experience. The win, the fans, the environment, the SKOL chant, the Gjallarhorn, the win. It was magical. I want to go back as often as possible. 

I’ve been to four of the league’s stadiums. Here’s how I rank those four stadiums.

1. US Bank Stadium

2. SoFi Stadium

3. M&T Bank Stadium

4. Levi’s Stadium

Over the past several decades a Super Bowl location rotation has developed between Phoenix, New Orleans, and the Florida sites. It’s interesting that all five of the stadiums in those locations are in the bottom half of this ranking. The league has all these beautiful stadiums and their gigantic event is held in some of the “worst” stadiums. It’s all about the location. SoFi will surely be part of the Super Bowl rotation moving forward. At least the league has that stadium gem for future Super Bowls. 

It’s clear that stadium naming rights are a lucrative revenue stream for teams. Many of the resulting stadium names are tough to digest. GEHA Field? I don’t think that Arrowhead Stadium will ever be anything but Arrowhead Stadium. Cleveland Browns Stadium? That’s sweet. The Browns aren’t tapping into the lucrative revenue stream. 

Minnesota Vikings Preseason Game #2

Another Minnesota Vikings preseason game. Another Minnesota Vikings preseason loss.

 
Minnesota Vikings 16
Tennessee Titans 24

Head coach Kevin O’Connell is now 0-5 in preseason games. Who cares?

As with last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Vikings defeated the Titans in the first half. The score was 9-7 at the half when the game was a battle between 2s vs 2s. With Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill not playing as this season’s presumed starter and rookie Will Levis not playing due to an injury, second-year Malik Willis played the entire game. He decidedly got the best of the Vikings third-string, and beyond, defenders. The Titans gained about 126 yards in the first half. They matched that total on two of their first three drives of the second half. Willis ran and passed at will when he was up against the bottom of the Vikings defensive roster. The Titans had a ghastly 281 yards rushing for the game. The vast majority of those yards came in the second half. 

Vikings Highs:

1. First half defense

The defense did give up a nine-play, 70 yard touchdown drive. The other five first half Titans possessions were 3 plays-punt, 3 plays-punt, four plays-punt, five plays-interception, one play-end of half. 

2. Running Backs DeWayne McBride and Aaron Dykes

Last week, Ty Chandler was the only productive back. This week, rookies DeWayne McBride and newly signed Aaron Dykes were productive. McBride scored the Vikings only touchdown. Dykes also had some nice kick returns. 

3. Backup Tight Ends

As a team, the Vikings had 17 catches for 200 yards. Tight ends Nick Muse, Ben Sims, and Colin Thompson had seven combined catchers for 115 yards. 

3. Linebacker Troy Dye

Troy Dye’s interception was his highlight play. He had a nice game overall. 

4. Rookie quarterback Jaren Hall

Considering Jaren Hall’s game a “high” might be a bit of a stretch. After an unproductive debut last week, he finally got a drive going this week. It was a long drive. It started at his own 12-yard line. It ended in a touchdown. The bulk of the yardage was gained on the ground. Some of that yardage was his own. Instead of taking sacks, Hall took off a couple times. He also completed three passes for 44 yards. 

5. Kicker Greg Joseph

Having won a modest kicking battle with rookie Jack Podlesny this week, Greg Joseph made all four of his kicks against the Titans.

6. Special Teams NaJee Thompson

The Vikings may have found their special teams ace. For the second week, NaJee Thompson made highlight reel plays as a gunner. He experienced concussion symptoms after his helmet-less punt return stop against the Titans. The Vikings must find room for him on the 53-man roster.

Vikings Lows:

1. Oli Udoh

Vikings backup right tackle had a rough game. Penalties were a problem. His blocking was a problem. Filling in on the starting offensive line during the season is far different than anchoring a back-up offensive line. This is Udoh’s fifth year in the league. He shouldn’t struggle as much as he did with another team’s backup pass rushers.

2. Second Half Defensive Line

In the second half, the Titans gashed the Vikings on the ground. They also had a load of problems with the mobility of Malik Willis. 

The Vikings wrap up their preseason schedule next week when they host the Arizona Cardinals. 

Minnesota Vikings 92-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings will play the Tennessee Titans tonight in their second “game” of the 2023 preseason. After a couple of joint practices this week, not many, if any, of the Vikings projected starters are expected to play. In his second season as head coach, Kevin O’Connell has shown a clear preference to get his starters reps in these practices with other teams rather than the “games” with other teams.  There will be another set of joint practices next week against the Arizona Cardinals in advance of their third preseason game. It’s a growing trend across the league. Use these joint practices as a ramp-up to the season for the top-half of the roster. Use the preseason games to help in the decision-making on the bottom-half of the roster. 

The Vikings have signed former Mississippi quarterback, more recently former XFL’s DC Defenders quarterback, Jordan Ta’amu. He had a workout with the Vikings before training camp. He now has an abbreviated shot with the team at the end of training camp. He may have been signed as an extra thrower for the final two preseason games. Whatever the reason, O’Connell will have an up close look at a 25-year old quarterback that had a solid college career and took home the XFL’s 2023 Offensive Player of the Year award. Despite bouncing around various professional leagues for the past four years, Ta’amu is only four months older than Vikings rookie quarterback Jaren Hall. 

This Vikings have yet to officially announce the Ta’amu signing so a player has yet to be officially released to make room on the roster. So, on the day of the second game of the 2023 Preseason, here’s the Minnesota Vikings 92-man roster. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense (46)

Quarterback (4)

  8 Kirk Cousins

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

     Jordan Ta’amu

Running Back (6)

  2 Alexander Mattison 

26 Kene Nwangwu

32 Ty Chandler

37 DeWayne McBride

41 Abram Smith

46 Aaron Dykes

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

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

85 N’Keal Harry

15 Lucky Jackson

82 Garrett Maag

28 Jacob Copeland

Tight End (6)

87 T. J Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

49 Ben Sims

48 Colin Thompson

Offensive Linemen (16)

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 (NFI)

74 Oli Udoh

79 Vederian Lowe

60 Josh Sokol

66 Alan Ali

63 Jacky Chen

61 Christian DiLauro

68 Jack Snyder

76 Jarrid Williams

Defense (43)

Defensive Line (11)

94 Dean Lowry

97 Harrison Phillips

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 (10)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

11 Mekhi Blackmon

29 Joejuan Williams

31 Tay Gowan

27 Kalon Barnes

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 (3)

Kicker (1)

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

***

Injured Reserve

92 James Lynch, DL

Minnesota Vikings Safeties

I have no idea what the decision-makers of the Minnesota Vikings are going to do with their safeties.

Harrison Smith

Camryn Bynum

Josh Metellus 

Lewis Cine

Jay Ward

Theo Jackson

I can’t cut any of them. In my opinion, each has earned a spot on the 53-man roster. It’s a good thing these roster decisions aren’t mine to make. 

Six talented, competent safeties? I remember years in which the Vikings couldn’t put a pair of competent safeties on the field. Throughout the offseason and into training camp, I’ve thought that Theo Jackson was the safety on the outside. Harrison Smith and Camryn Bynum were the starters last season and the projected starters this season. Josh Metellus has worked his way into an important, situational role in defensive coordinator’s Brian Flores’ chameleon-like defense. Lewis Cine was selected in the first round last year to be a cornerstone player. The brutal leg injury in London last season threw a significant pause into his progression. Jay Ward was drafted in the fourth round this year. His positional versatility in college suggested that he’d be perfect in the role that Metellus currently holds. That left Jackson. Smith, Bynum, and Metellus seem to be on the field the most through offseason work and training camp. Cine and Ward are high draft picks of the current regime. Those five safeties feel safe. And five safeties feel like a lot of safeties. Jackson has no shot. Right? I’m not so sure. 

I haven’t been to training camp. I’ve only seen the first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. I’m dependent on the observations of those that are at the practices. From those observations, Cine seems to be the least impressive of the safeties. From my own observations, he played well in the Seahawks game. He made the tackles he needed to make. He made the tackles he was in position to make. If there was any criticism to his play in that game, perhaps he needed to react a bit quicker. That isn’t a surprising expectation for a player in only his second training camp and a player coming back from a brutal injury. To be honest, when Cine was drafted I assumed that he’d unseat Bynum as a starting safety in his first season. I knew that Bynum would be a tough to player to unseat. I watched him play for four seasons at Cal. He’s a very good football player. Cine, however, has the explosive athletic ability to be an excellent football player. His ceiling is much higher than that of Bynum. So far, it hasn’t played out that way. What has played out is that the Vikings now have a very deep, talented safety group.

In today’s pass-heavy NFL, ten defensive backs is the minimum. At ten, the cornerback:safety split is usually 6:4. When the Vikings selected Ward in the fourth round, I initially had the potential position breakdown at 5:4 with him as a bit of both. What’s in a position if a player really has no set position? With the way that the Vikings have been making use of Metellus’ versatility and Ward having a similar skill set, aren’t the Vikings rostering a couple safeties that have slot corner potential? Not only that, Bynum played corner for four years at Cal. The Vikings have three safeties with corner versatility. I’m not sure I want to see any of them routinely on an island with an outside receiver but they can bolster the corner room while being labeled as a safety. 

If the Vikings decision-makers decide to keep the ten best defensive backs on the 53-man roster, they may end up keeping only four cornerbacks and six safeties. Four corners? Who knows? I do know that Theo Jackson is doing everything he can to make this a very difficult decision for those decision-makers. 

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Coach/Contributor Finalist

In something of an upset, former Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Buddy Parker was selected as the coach/contributor finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The only thing standing between Parker and enshrinement in Canton next summer is an 80% approval of the Hall of Fame voters. It’s become increasingly rare for the voters to reject the choices of the Senior and Coach/Contributor committees. 

Most that closely follow Pro Football Hall of Fame happenings expected New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to be the coach/contributor finalist. Or Mike Shanahan. Or Tom Coughlin. Basically, an individual that did their NFL thing in recent memory was the favorite. It’s become increasingly surprising for the senior and coach/contributor committees to seriously consider anyone that played, coached, or contributed before the birth of those committee members. 12 semifinalists were considered: Parker, Kraft, Shanahan, Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Dan Reeves, Art Rooney Jr., Marty Schottenheimer, Clark Shaughnessy, Loyd Wells, and John Wooten. Multiple votes were needed from the 12-person committee and Parker was the one standing at the end. 

Buddy Parker is certainly deserving. He should’ve been inducted long ago for turning the Detroit Lions into something of a dynasty in the 1950s. Considering the franchise’s performance since his run with the team, Parker’s success with the Lions should be considered miraculous. He led the team to NFL titles in 1952 and 1953. The Lions defeated the Paul Brown-led Cleveland Browns in both games. The two teams played in the championship game a third consecutive time in 1954. Brown and the Browns won that one. It was the first time Parker had lost to Brown. Many consider Paul Brown the greatest coach in NFL history. He was 1-4 against Buddy Parker, 1-2 in championship games. That success against Brown alone should’ve put him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame long ago. During his six years in Detroit, Parker was 50-24-2 (including playoffs). 

In a stunning move prior to the start of the 1957 season, Parker abruptly resigned. Offensive coordinator George Wilson stepped in and coached the Lions to their third title of the decade. Wilson may have coached the Lions during the season but it was Parker that built the team. In particular, he acquired quarterback Tobin Rote immediately prior to leaving the team. 

Parker joined the Pittsburgh Steelers the same year he left the Lions. He coached the Steelers for eight seasons. He was 51-47-6 during those eight years with no playoff appearances. Unless there were conference ties, only two teams made the playoffs in those days. Unlike today, there wasn’t playoff invites for half the teams in the league. The Steelers were dreadful for nearly all of their first quarter century in the league. Parker quickly made them competitive. 

Parker won. He won an NFL title as a player with the Detroit Lions in 1935. He coached the Lions to two titles in the 1950s. He built the Lions team that would win a third title of the decade. He was also one of the premier defensive innovators of his era. Those innovations were necessary to slow/shut down the challenging offenses of Paul Brown and the Cleveland Browns. Parker’s incredible success against Brown is an indication of the impact of those innovations. Put simply, Parker won. He won a lot. Now, he’s finally on the doorstep of where’s he’s long belonged.  

Positions Of Concern

The Minnesota Vikings have been practicing for nearly three weeks. They plodded their way through a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Perhaps more important than that game and the remaining preseason games are joint practices against the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals. Starting today, it’s the Titans at TCO Performance Center. Next week, it’s the Cardinals. In advance of those joint practices and the remaining preseason games, here’s a look at the concern level of each of the team’s position groups.

Quarterbacks

Kirk Cousins is primed for another statistically terrific season. He just has to lead the team to wins. Most importantly, he has to lead the team to wins in big games (playoff games). Nick Mullens is fine as the backup. If there’s quarterback concerns, it’s the future of the Vikings quarterback position. The offensive line did him no favors but rookie Jaren Hall had a rough time against the Seahawks. But, he did a great job of avoiding disastrous plays. 

Concern Level: For this year, it’s low.

Running Backs

As long as he stays healthy, Alexander Mattison will be productive as RB1. Ty Chandler has been terrific in preseason games. He has to carry that into the season. Beyond Mattison and Chandler, there’s concern. That’s why the Vikings have been auditioning running backs.

Concern Level: Moderate

Receivers 

This is a position of strength. Once Jalen Nailor returns from injury, the top four receivers feel set and very promising. Competition for the 5th spot is well contested. It may even force the team to keep six receivers. 

Concern Level: Very Low to none.

Tight Ends

With T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, and Johnny Mundt, tight end is another position of strength. Nick Muse is doing his best to force the team to keep four.

Concern Level: Very Low to none. 

Offensive Line

It wouldn’t be the Vikings if there wasn’t offensive line concerns. The concern this year is lower than recent years. The offensive tackles are great. There’s concern with the interior. I believe that center Garrett Bradbury and left guard Ezra Cleveland will be fine. I still have decent hopes for right guard Ed Ingram. I like backups Vederain Lowe, Oli Udoh, Blake Brandel, and Austin Schlottmann in spot starts. 

Concern Level: Moderate

Defensive Line

There are no real standouts in this group. I’m hoping for a solid, workman-like performance this year from the group. I’m hoping that youngsters Jaquelin Roy and Esezi Otomewo develop quickly. Despite modest draft status, they have the most potential to develop into standouts.

Concern Level: Moderate

Linebackers

This is an interesting group. While veteran Jordan Hicks and second-year Brian Asamoah are the projected starters, undrafted rookie Ivan Pace Jr. has been the talk of training camp. He’s making a strong case to be one of the starters. Hicks is expected to be the veteran leader of the group and the defense. Could the Vikings decision-makers be so bold as to go with explosive youngsters Pace and Asamoah. 

Concern Level: Moderate. I really like the potential of this group but the youth and inexperience brings uncertainty.

Cornerbacks

This has been the biggest position of concern all offseason. I think that the Vikings cornerbacks are going to surprise. Byron Murphy Jr. is going to shine. I have high hopes for second-year Akayleb Evans and rookie Mekhi Blackmon. Joejuan Williams has shown promise. My biggest concern is Andrew Booth Jr. He was drafted in the second round last year to be an early starter. He looks far from that. 

Concern Level: Fairly little. With the top three to four corners and a versatile safety group, I think that the Vikings secondary is going to be an impactful group.

Safeties

Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, Lewis Cine, Josh Metellus, Jay Ward. This is the deepest Vikings safety group in my time with the team. The group rivals receiver and tight end as the deepest on the team. Theo Jackson is probably be a starter most years and I don’t see him making the team. Hopefully, the talent and depth translate to stellar play on the field. 

Concern Level: Very Low to none. 

Specialists

The concern revolves solely around the kicking. The Vikings need the consistent kicking that they haven’t since Ryan Longwell. 

Concern Level: Until Vikings kickers stop missing extra points, the concern level will be very high. 

Zeroes

ESPN posted an article today about the return of “0” to NFL jerseys. 

From that article:

In 1973, the NFL standardized jersey numbers by position group, at which point the only players who were given single-digit uniform numbers were quarterbacks, punters, and place-kickers, but there was a catch — no one was granted No. 0. 

In the league’s first 52 years, a few players wore “0” or “00.” According to Pro Football Reference, 15 players wore “0” and four players wore “00.”

0

Ted Bucklin

Lou Eaton 

Ox Eckhardt

Hal Hilpert

Walt Koppisch

Obert Logan

Danny McMullen

Hap Moran

Lee Mulleneaux

Johnny Olszewski

Bill Reissig

Reb Russell

Wee Willie Smith

Carl Waite

Phil White

California great running back Johnny Olszewski is, of course, the star of the bunch.

00

Steve Bargarus

Ken Burrough

Johnny Clement

Jim Otto

Jim Otto wore that “00” all the way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In 2021, rules changes led to greater flexibility with uniform numbers. Wearing single-digit numbers became available to all players that weren’t locked in the trenches. This spring, the league brought back “0.” So far, 22 players have grabbed the number.

Marcus Davenport, OLB, Minnesota Vikings

D’Andre Swift, RB, Philadelphia Eagles 

Zach Pascal, WR, Arizona Cardinals 

Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami Dolphins 

Calvin Ridley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars 

Byron Young, OLB, Los Angeles Rams 

Daiyan Henley, LB, Los Angeles Chargers 

Parris Campbell, WR, New York Giants 

Ugo Amadi, DB, New Orleans Saints

Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Detroit Lions 

Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens 

Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB, Tennessee Titans

Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns 

Brian Burns, OLB, Carolina Panthers 

Lorenzo Carter, DE/OLB, Atlanta Falcons 

Jonathan Cooper, OLB, Denver Broncos

Devin Bush, LB, Seattle Seahawks

Yaya Diaby, OLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Samuel Womack III, CB, San Francisco 49ers 

Desmond King II, CB, Houston Texans

Adrian Amos, S, New York Jets

Nyheim Hines, RB, Buffalo Bills

The zeroes are back. 

Minnesota Vikings Add A Linebacker

An injury in last week’s preseason game forced the Minnesota Vikings to add a linebacker to the roster. Linebacker William Kwenkeu was injured while playing on special teams against the Seattle Seahawks. As a result of the injury, he was released with an injury designation. Once/if Kwenkeu passes through waivers, he will go on the Vikings injured reserve list. 

The Vikings announced the signing of linebacker Tanner Vallejo to take Kwenkeu’s place with the linebackers and on special teams. Vallejo was drafted out of Boise State by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent the 2017 season with the Bills and was waived during the 2018 preseason. After being claimed off waivers, it was on to the Cleveland Browns for the 2018 season. It was training with the Arizona Cardinals, a stint with the Washington Redskins, and a return to the Cardinals in 2019. After initially signing to Arizona’s practiced squad, he was soon promoted to the active roster. In Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Vallejo made his first statistical impact in the league with a sack and forced fumble. His 2019 season ended on the Cardinals injured reserve. It seemed that he had found an NFL home in Arizona. After sticking with the team in 2020, he signed a two-year, $4.1 million deal deal during the 2021 offseason. He made two starts in 2021 and five starts in 2021. Now, he has the rest of  training camp and two preseason games to earn a linebacker/special teams roster spot with the Vikings. 

Tanner Vallejo’s addition boosts the number of Boise State players on the roster to four. 

Boise State Vikings

Alexander Mattison

Ezra Cleveland

Curtis Weaver

Tanner Vallejo

That ties TCU for the second largest college contingent on the Vikings roster. 

TCU Vikings

Austin Schlottmann

Jalen Reagor

Ross Blacklock

Colin Thompson

Tops is LSU.

LSU Vikings

Justin Jefferson

Danielle Hunter

Ed Ingram

Jaquelin Roy

Jay Ward

Welcome to Minnesota, Tanner Vallejo.

Minnesota Vikings Receiver Tradition

The Minnesota Vikings have a great receiver tradition. It can rival that of any team in the league. In only three seasons, Justin Jefferson has joined that tradition. K.J. Osborn and first-round pick Jordan Addison are looking to do the same. It all started with 1963 Rookie of Year Paul Flatley. Sammy White won that award in 1976. Randy Moss did the same in 1998. Percy Harvin did as well in 2009. Jefferson was robbed of the Rookie of the Year award in 2020 but he did take home Offensive Player of the Year honors last year. The Vikings receivers through 62 years are a great, fun group. 

Minnesota Vikings Receiver Tradition

Paul Flatley

Gene Washington

John Gilliam

Sammy White

Ahmad Rashad

Anthony Carter

Cris Carter

Jake Reed

Randy Moss

Nate Burleson

Sidney Rice

Percy Harvin

Adam Thielen

Stefon Diggs

Justin Jefferson

That’s 15 receivers that were among the best in the league during the time they played. There are a handful more that had solid careers and contributed to the Vikings receiver tradition.

Jerry Reichow

John Henderson

Leo Lewis

Terry LeCount

Hassan Jones

Bernard Berrian

Jarius Wright

The Vikings great receiving tradition is highlighted by Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Both have a bust in Canton. Both are in the argument for best receivers to ever play. Moss is easily in that argument. In my opinion, so is Carter. No one ever caught the ball as well. No one!

I never thought another receiver could challenge Moss and Carter. Both were so damn great. Then Justin Jefferson arrived in Minnesota. He’s done more in three years than any receiver in league history. He’s unbelievable. He just has to get in the end zone more. Put his statistics next to Moss and touchdowns is the only stat that leans Moss’ way. In Jefferson’s touchdown defense, he’s had a few called back and spotted on the goal line. He’s had several more catches get the Vikings inside the five-yard line. Justin Jefferson’s work often turned into Dalvin Cook’s glory.

An underrated member of the Vikings great receiver tradition is John Gilliam. He was in Minnesota from 1972-75. During those four years he was the league’s best deep threat. His yard per catch were ridiculous.

1972: 22.0

1973: 21.6

1974: 22.2

1975: 15.5

Over 20 yards per catch is a rarity these days. It was in the 1970s as well. Gilliam was named to the Pro Bowl each season. The drop in 1975 was partly due to a bit more conservative offense that revolved around versatile running back Chuck Foreman. Gilliam’s 50 catches that season was his best total for the Vikings. I didn’t understand his departure during the 1976 offseason. The arrival that same offseason of Sammy White in the draft and Ahmad Rashad in a trade helped explain it. 

The trades/departures of Randy Moss, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Stefon Diggs were some of the most painful moments of my Vikings life. At least the Diggs trade led directly to the selection of Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

Hopefully K.J. Osborn and Jordan Addison are the Vikings next great receivers. 

Another Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection

With a single preseason game in mind, here’s another look at a Minnesota Vikings 53-Man roster projection. 

Another Minnesota Vikings 53-man Roster Projection

Offense (24)

Quarterback (3)

  8 Kirk Cousins

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

In his first NFL experience on Thursday, Jaren Hall struggled. His offensive line did him no favors but he didn’t look ready for the league. Perhaps he’s destined for the practice squad. For now, I have the Vikings keeping three quarterbacks. 

Running Back (3)

  2 Alexander Mattison

32 Ty Chandler

26 Kene Nwangwu

Ty Chandler solidified his status on Thursday as RB2. With Kene Nwangwu working his way back from an injury, it’s become Chandler’s job to lose. Before training camp and preseason games, I didn’t think that seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride would make it to the practice squad. The running traits he showed in college were too intriguing to stash on the practice squad for a year. Now, I’m not so sure. It’s one preseason game but I think the practice squad might be his best option for his first season in the league.

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (5)

18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

  3 Jordan Addison

83 Jalen Nailor

19 Brandon Powell

I still believe that the top four receivers are pretty much a lock but Jalen Nailor must return from the injury he suffered early in training camp. After that it’s an interesting battle. I think Brandon Powell might have an edge over Jalen Reagor. If he can return soon from an injury, Trishton Jackson is in the mix. So is recently signed N’Keal Harry. The Vikings don’t have a receiver with Harry’s size. That might work in his favor. 

Tight End (3)

87 T. J Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

Nick Muse might force the Vikings to keep four tight ends or challenge Johnny Mundt for the third spot. 

Offensive Linemen (9)

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

79 Vederian Lowe

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

94 Dean Lowry

95 Khyiris Tonga

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jonathan Bullard

90 Esezi Otomewo

78 Jaquelin Roy

The season-ending knee injury to James Lynch jumbled this group a bit. Projected starters Dean Lowry, Khyiris Tonga, and Harrison Phillips are safe. I believe second-year Esezi Otomewo and rookie Jaquelin Roy are safe. Otomewo has played some on the edge in practices and in Thursday’s preseason game. That leaves a battle between Jonathan Bullard and Ross Blacklock for the sixth spot. 

Outside Linebacker (5)

99 Danielle Hunter

  0 Marcus Davenport

91 Patrick Jones

98 D.J.Wonnum

55 Andre Carter II

This group’s giving me problems. Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, Patrick Jones II are set as the top three edge rushers. Luiji Vilain has only improved every day since he was signed as an undrafted free agent last year. He was constantly in the Seahawks backfield on Thursday. I think that he’s played his way onto the roster. Andre Carter’s potential and freakish talent are too great to cut. It might take a bit to become the player he has the talent to be but it’s worth the wait. He had some nice moments on Thursday. Maybe the Vikings keep six outside linebackers but D.J. Wonnum could be traded or a surprise cut. 

Inside Linebacker (4)

33 Brian Asamoah

58 Jordan Hicks

40 Ivan Pace Jr. 

45 Troy Dye 

Brian Asamoah and Jordan Hicks are set. Ivan Pace Jr has been a star of training camp. He added to that in the first preseason game. If I was defensive coordinator Brian Flores and inside linebacker coach Mike Siravo, I’d be so tempted to run with Asamoah and Pace as the starters this season. The top three are set. After that, it’s a battle between the Troys, Dye and Reeder. William Kwenkeu might be in the mix but his penalties on Thursday didn’t help his case. 

Cornerback (6)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

11 Mekhi Blackmon

29 Joejuan Williams

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

36 Najee Thompson

My biggest concern with the cornerbacks has been the play of last years second-round pick, Andrew Booth Jr. Injuries have been his biggest problem. Many fans have already deposited him in the bust bin. I’ve been slow to agree with those fans. His blown coverage on Thursday handed the Seahawks a touchdown. He’s too talented to let a receiver like Jake Bobo turn him around like that. For now, I still have Booth on the roster. He’s too talented but patience has to be getting thin with him. Tay Gowan and Jaylin Williams are on his heels. Najee Thompson was signed as an undrafted free agent this year for his special teams skills. He showed those skills on Thursday. I’m sure that special teams coordinator Matt Daniels is pounding the table, floor, and ceiling for Thompson. His two plays in punt coverage were two of the game’s highlights. 

Safety (5)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

  6 Lewis Cine

44 Josh Metellus

20 Jay Ward

This group is pretty straightforward. It’s also very deep in talent. The top four will see snaps on defense. Jay Ward’s position versatility could put him on the field for some packages. I remember years in which sixth safety Theo Jackson would’ve been one of the Vikings starting safeties. With this group, he feels destined for the practice squad. 

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

Minnesota Vikings Preseason Game #1

The Minnesota Vikings opened the 2023 preseason in Seattle against the Seahawks with a 24-13 loss. This was one of those preseason losses that didn’t feel too bad. When it was equals vs equals (2s vs 2s) in the first half, the Vikings were the better team. The scoreboard showed it, 10-7. The play on the field showed it. When they didn’t put themselves in a hole with penalties, the Vikings easily moved the ball. Quarterback Nick Mullens guided the offense to the Seahawks side of the field on three of the team’s five first-half possessions. Two of those three possessions ended in points. The Seahawks offense earned more than one first down on only one of their five first half possessions. 

In the first half, the Vikings offense moved and the defense held. For the most part, the Seahawks did neither. 

The second half was a whole other story. 

The Seahawks flipped the game when “starter” Drew Lock played through the third quarter. Entering the fourth quarter, the Seahawks led 17-13. A fluky, jump ball heave by third-string Seahawks quarterback, and descendent of Ragnar Lothbrok, Holton Ahlers provided the final seven points. 

Vikings rookie quarterback Jaren Hall struggled throughout the second half. The offensive line provided little protection but he definitely looked like the project that he is in his first NFL action. He did have a nice 19-yard sideline throw to N’Keal Harry. That throw converted a big 3rd-and-4 and provided the Vikings lone offensive threat in the second half. 

Vikings 13 

Seahawks 24

The good of the Vikings first preseason game:

1. The Defense

The Vikings defense was horrible last season. Improvement was expected when Brian Flores was hired as defensive coordinator. Through offseason workouts and training camp, there’s been a lot of talk of improvement in scheme, play, and attitude. It all showed up in the first preseason game. The players flew to the ball. The defense was attacking. There was none of the passive play that often made the 2022 Vikings a very difficult watch. There was a consistent pass rush throughout the game. It was actually fun to watch the Vikings defense again. This was a great start. 

2. Jordan Addison

Officially, Jordan Addison caught one pass. His first reception in the NFL. It was a 22-yard sliding catch that could’ve been much more if Mullens had hit in stride. Unofficially, his first NFL reception came earlier. It was a beautiful, diving, sideline catch. The officials ruled that both sets of toes weren’t in bounds. Replays showed that those toes were in bounds. Probably due to it being a preseason game, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t challenge the ruling. 

3. Ivan Pace Jr.

The undrafted linebacker has been the talk of training camp. Ivan Pace Jr. didn’t disappoint. Other than a personal foul on the Seahawks sideline, he was fun to watch in his NFL debut. 

4. Ty Chandler 

Ty Chandler picked up where he left off after last year’s preseason. Right now, he looks like the clear RB2 to Alexander Mattison. 

5. Jalen Reagor

Chandler and Jalen Reagor provided the bulk of the Vikings offense in the first preseason game.

6. Luiji Vilain 

It felt like Luiji Vilain was in Lock’s face on each of his snaps. 

7. NaJee Thompson 

NaJee Thompson was signed as an undrafted free agent for his special teams. After seeing his first NFL action, I’m scrambling to find a way to get him on the 53-man roster. I’m sure the Vikings coaches, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels in particular, are doing the same. 

The bad:

1. Andrew Booth Jr.

I’m getting real close to those fans that have long had concerns for Andrew Booth Jr. Former UCLA slappy Jake Bobo made Booth look silly on his touchdown. 

2. Jaren Hall

I hate to put a rookie quarterback on the “bad” list for his play in his first NFL game. His offensive line did him no favors. Still, everything seemed to happen to fast for him. He just needs to see more snaps in “live” action. 

Perhaps the best moment in the Vikings-Seahawks game occurred late in the first quarter when the NFL Network telecast experienced some difficulties. It was such a relief when the broadcast flipped to the Vikings team of Paul Allen and Peter Bercich. With Michael Robinson in the booth for NFL Network, it was essentially a Seahawks broadcast. The banter and coverage was 100% Seattle. When former Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett was welcomed to the booth as a guest, it somehow managed to lean even further to the Seahawks. I don’t know how one does this with a national broadcast. I was about to mute the nonsense when the coverage was flipped to Allen and Bercich. Now, there was certainly a purple hue to the content for the rest of the game but the audience was made aware that a second team was on the field. 

The Vikings host the Tennessee Titans on August 19. 

Minnesota Vikings 91-Man Roster

The Minnesota Vikings will play the Seattle Seahawks tonight in their first “game” of the 2023 season. Not many, if any, of the team’s projected starters are expected to play. In his first run last year as the head coach of the Vikings, Kevin O’Connell decided to sit the starters for the preseason games. He preferred to rely on the joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers for game-like action for the starters. The Vikings have joint practices with the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals in the coming weeks. It’s the growing trend across the league. Use these joint practices as a ramp-up to the season for the top-half of the roster. Use the preseason games to help in the decision-making on the bottom-half of the roster. 

On the day of the first game of the 2023 Preseason, here’s the Minnesota Vikings 91-man roster. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense (44)

Quarterback (3)

  8 Kirk Cousins

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

Running Back (5)

  2 Alexander Mattison 

26 Kene Nwangwu

32 Ty Chandler

37 DeWayne McBride

41 Abram Smith

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

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

85 N’Keal Harry

15 Lucky Jackson

82 Garrett Maag

28 Jacob Copeland

Tight End (6)

87 T. J Hockenson

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

49 Ben Sims

48 Colin Thompson

Offensive Linemen (16)

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 (NFI)

74 Oli Udoh

79 Vederian Lowe

60 Josh Sokol

66 Alan Ali

63 Jacky Chen

61 Christian DiLauro

68 Jack Snyder

76 Jarrid Williams

Defense (43)

Defensive Line (11)

94 Dean Lowry

97 Harrison Phillips

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 (10)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

11 Mekhi Blackmon

29 Joejuan Williams

31 Tay Gowan

27 Kalon Barnes

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

***

Injured Reserve

92 James Lynch, DL

Could It Be…

Could it be that the Minnesota Vikings defense enter the 2023 season without leadership? 

That question isn’t fair as this season’s Vikings defense will have leadership no matter how the starters at a particular position shake out. There’s the coaches on the sideline. There’s Harrison Smith. The question is posed here, in early August, for a simple reason. The “quarterback” of a typical NFL defense, the leader of a “typical” NFL defense is a linebacker. A linebacker is in the middle of the action. There’s a reason the middle linebacker is identified by the offense. His positioning dictates the other side’s blocking. The opposing offense, the defense, everything revolves around the linebackers. New defensive coordinator Brian Flores was tasked this offseason to reconstruct the defense, to re-imagine it. The Vikings defense was terrible last season. It has to be better. It has to be a lot better. 

One of the few givens on the Vikings defense was that returning veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks would lead it. Another given was that second-year Brian Asamoah would be his explosive sidekick. He’s an aim and shoot missile. If Asamoah is guessing right, he’s blowing up the offense’s intentions. If he’s guessing right, everything’s aces. If he guesses wrong? Who knows? The only known is that Asamoah is going to play a big role in making this Vikings defense fun. 

In a year that former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas was deservedly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I can’t help but think about the rapid rise of Vikings undrafted rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. Separated by nearly 30 draft years, Thomas and Pace have much in common. Both are considered small. 

Pace: 5’10”

          231

Thomas: 5’11”

               228

It’s easy to say it now, Ivan Pace Jr was a pre-draft favorite of mine. I expected him to be drafted anywhere from the third to the fifth round. It was inconceivable that a defensive difference-maker like Pace would fall out of the draft. I was thrilled that he’d signed with the Vikings after going undrafted.  It felt like they’d been handed an extra mid-round pick. 

So here we are. How important is the green dot? 

From the moment the Vikings decision-makers decided on Jordan Hicks rather than Eric Kendricks, it felt like the inside linebackers moving forward would be Hicks and Asamoah. It’s weird to think about the Vikings with two inside linebackers. It’s been a while. Nearly 30 years. A 3-4 feels so foreign in Minnesota. Until proven otherwise, I’m a 4-3 devotee. Brian Flores will have the Vikings playing a base 3-4. I’m wagering that the Vikings defense is in that front less than 50 % of the time. I see an amoeba-like front seven, or six. None of those opinions mean much now. For the purpose of this, the Vikings are a 3-4 defense. 

I haven’t been at the training camp practices. I’m depending on those that have. Ivan Pace Jr has been earning first team looks. During his speech, Zach Thomas said that Jimmy Johnson tapped him as the Dolphin’s starting linebacker 37 years ago, to the day. 

Zach Thomas was a great football player. His bust and gold jacket is an indication of that greatness. I didn’t see the Dolphins a lot during his time but every time I did he made an impact. When thinking about 1996 Zach Thomas on his Canton day I can’t help but think of Ivan Pace Jr. on all of his Minnesota days. Each entered the league as a little piss-ant for their position. Neither was ever really given a shot by those that judged from the safety of an office. Those that wanted a football player loved them. Those that wanted a model linebacker didn’t. 

If Brian Flores goes with his best two interior linebackers, from my comfy seat, I see those linebackers being Asamoah and Pace. Could Flores, could all those in the Vikings decision-making process go with two starting inside linebackers with zero NFL starts? 

Until I listened to Zach Thomas, I didn’t think that talent was worth the risk of experience. If the Vikings go safe and roll out Asamoah and Hicks, fine. The bold move is Asamoah and Pace. All I know is that Asamoah and Pace will one day be the Vikings interior linebacker duo. Hopefully, the two fun, explosive football players will be the Vikings linebackers for a long time.