Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey (12) evades Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (25) during practice in Eagan, Minn., Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.
One year ago, there was some buzz about one safety shining in Minnesota’s practices. Josh Metellus, previously a special teams contributor and backup defender, earned a significant role in Brian Flores’ defense. The coordinator changed his entire plan to make sure the fourth-year player would get an opportunity to be on the field.
Vikings’ Backup Defender Is Turning Heads
Now, a similar story escaped TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota. Backup safety Theo Jackson was showing some promise in organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp.
Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (25) intercepts a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Alec Lewis from The Athletic released the intel he received from a coach, who stated that the third-year player had “the best spring of anyone on our roster.”
That story is bad news for another Viking. Former first-rounder Lewis Cine must climb the depth chart to keep his dream with the Vikings alive, as he is currently sixth behind starters Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, and Metellus, and backups Jackson and last year’s fourth-rounder Jay Ward, who has seen more reps on defense and is a superior special teamer, which is critical for depth players.
Jackson should be considered the top backup of the starting trio. If one of them exits or misses a game, the 2022 sixth-rounder would be the first replacement.
Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell greets safety Theo Jackson (25) before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
The 25-year-old played his college career at the University of Tennessee. Jackson showcased intriguing speed at his pro day when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds. He fell to the sixth round when his hometown team, the Tennessee Titans, selected him. The safety was born in Nashville, Tennessee.
He failed to make the initial 53-man roster and was stashed on Tennessee’s practice squad but didn’t have to wait long until the Vikings called and signed him following Lewis Cine’s leg fracture in 2022. In his rookie season, Jackson appeared in 11 games with the Vikings, primarily as a special teams player. He logged 18 snaps on defense and 275 on special teams.
Nov 19, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (25) tackles Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) in the fourth quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
When Flores arrived, Jackson continued to show promise, and he made the team in 2023, this time playing 126 snaps in Flores’ safety rotation. He, once again, played a vital role on special teams. The coordinator is a big fan of versatile defenders, and Jackson checks that box. Similarly to Metellus, he played all over the field in his limited snaps, lining up as a true safety, a linebacker, in the slot, or as an outside cornerback.
Jackson is unlikely to earn a crucial role on defense unless there are some injury problems with the guys ahead of him, but he should be favored to make the 53-man roster and be the first guy off the bench.
Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell greets safety Harrison Smith (22) before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Smith is 35 years old, and 2024 might be his last season. His eventual retirement could open the door for Jackson to increase his role, although the team could invest and sign or draft Smith’s successor. Jackson is in the final year of his contract, but the Vikings hold his restricted free-agent rights, so the chances are high that he will return for another campaign.
If he indeed steps into Metellus’ footsteps, there will be more buzz about his performance coming from training camp in July and August. Jackson is also a candidate to lead the defense in the preseason when most (if not all) starters will be inactive.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Focus, Over the Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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Publish date : 2024-06-28 18:45:20
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