10 Most Intriguing Players
1. Jeff Okudah, CB
Wouldn’t it be something if the Minnesota Vikings finally unlocked Jeff Okudah’s talent?
2. Dallas Turner, OLB
The Vikings will find a way to get Dallas Turner on the field.
3. Rondale Moore, WR
If his knee is healthy, Rondale Moore has the quickness, agility, and versatility to give the Vikings a gadget player and offensive dimension they haven’t had. He may also contribute as a returner. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at the top of the team’s receiver depth chart, the position group is a team strength. If he can avoid the injuries that have nagged his first three seasons, Jalen Nailor is a strong #3. Third-round pick Tai Felton has terrific potential. Moore is a wildcard. He has the talent to make the Vikings receiver group a special group.
4. Theo Jackson, S
An interesting aspect of Theo Jackson’s 2.5 years in Minnesota has been the reaction of defensive teammates when asked about the backup safety. There’s always an immediate smile. “He just makes plays.” They all say that. When Jackson has seen action the last couple years, he’s made plays. The players and coaches that know him best know that he’s ready for an expanded defensive role. Camryn Bynum will be missed but Theo Jackson is ready.
5. J.J. McCarthy, QB
It wouldn’t be a list of intriguing players if the quarterback isn’t on that list. It’s the J.J. McCarthy era and I can’t wait to see it start.
6. Jordan Mason, RB
Aaron Jones is RB1. Jones at his best makes the Vikings offense a stronger and more versatile group. Jordan Mason was acquired in a trade with the 49ers in the offseason. The Vikings decision-makers had an in-person look a Mason in Week 2 of last season. Mason was difficult to get on the ground. Now, he’s going to be that back for the Vikings. He’s a bull of a back. He will help in short-yardage and goal line situations. He should also take some of the hits that would be put on Jones.
7. Isaiah Rodgers, CB
Isaiah Rodgers was a priority target in free agency to be a starter opposite Byron Murphy Jr. Considering their respective roles entering training camp, it would seem that Rodgers should swap places with Jeff Okudah on this list. Rodgers is at #7 because his role as a likely starter is a known thing. Okudah’s role is still in the works. As a result, he has greater intrigue. Rodgers has the talent and elite speed to be a playmaker and difference-maker. This is his first shot as an every-play defender. He may even be the Vikings kick returner.
8. Ryan Kelly, C
With the Vikings relying on a first-time quarterback, Ryan Kelly could be one of the most significant additions of the offseason. An experienced center is a boost for an inexperienced quarterback. Clark is the fulcrum of a vastly improved offensive line.
9. Donovan Jackson, G
The last time the Vikings selected a guard in the first round, Randall McDaniel went on to an incredible Hall of Fame career. Donovan Jackson won’t have similar expectations. At the time, McDaniel didn’t have those expectations either. I can’t wait to see Christian Darrisaw and Jackson on the left-side of the Vikings new-look offensive line. It’s a pairing I hope one day rivals that of Gary Zimmerman and Randall McDaniel.
10. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL
The Vikings didn’t have a lot of draft picks this year. With one of the picks they did have, I believe that they got a steal in the fifth round with Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. He’s a raw talent that might’ve been a Day 1 pick with another year at Georgia. The Vikings rebuilt the defensive line in free agency with the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. With Harrison Phillips closing on 30 and Allen and Hargrave past 30, a defensive line rotation will be key. Ingram-Dawkins has the talent to soon be the first off the bench and an eventual defensive line fixture.
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