Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off a 7-10 season without an appearance in the playoffs, and after losing the two four-time Pro Bowlers Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter in free agency, one would think the Vikings don’t have any high-end talent. But one look at the roster can drastically change that opinion.
Who Are the 10 Best Vikings?
First of all, here are some honorable mentions: players who just missed the cut.
Harrison Smith
Harrison Phillips
Byron Murphy Jr.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Jordan Addison
10. Ivan Pace Jr.
Dec 10, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (40) celebrates after an interception against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. had an outstanding rookie season, coming out of nowhere and playing an integral role in Minnesota’s defense. Many assumed he would just be a pass-rusher from the second level, but instead, he played in coverage and defended the run. While his size might still be an occasional problem, he found ways to work around it.
There’s no doubt about it: Pace came to stay. He will handle one middle linebacker spot, and his importance is likely to increase.
9. Blake Cashman
Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman (53) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Pace will no longer line up next to Jordan Hicks, as the Vikings acquired Blake Cashman from the Texans. The native Minnesotan experienced a breakout season in 2023, in which he displayed excellence in every facet of linebacker play.
His versatility makes him the perfect asset in Brian Flores’ defense, which needs players who can do it all.
8. Camryn Bynum
Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) celebrates a fumble recovery against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The safety struggled in 2022 but had a wonderful 2023 season. Camryn Bynum led all defensive backs in the league in tackles, showing improved run support, and the former college cornerback showcased his coverage skills way better than in previous seasons.
Bynum has the athletic tools and the mental makeup to be one of the top free safeties in the league.
7. Aaron Jones
Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) reacts against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Former Packers running back Aaron Jones terrorized the Vikings for years, but he has finally joined the good side. Jones is a remarkably quick rusher who can bounce outside or find smaller holes in the defensive line. His pass-catching ability will also be important. He will undoubtedly be an upgrade over last year’s running backs, though it remains to be seen how explosive he still is at age 29.
Jones finished last year with five straight games over 100 rushing yards.
6. Brian O’Neill
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (75) celebrates the win after the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Brian O’Neill has been a staple on Minnesota’s offensive line since 2018. Opposing pass rushers target him on the right side because the guy on the left side is pretty good, too, but they are still going against an annual Pro Bowl candidate. Coming off a torn Achilles tendon at the end of the 2022 season, he never missed a beat in 2023. The case can be made that O’Neill is Minnesota’s most consistent player.
5. Josh Metellus
Aug 5, 2023; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) takes the field during training camp at Twin Cities Orthopedic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Metellus was another major beneficiary of Flores’ appointment. The defensive coordinator didn’t care that he already had two safeties on the field; he simply added a third one. Metellus played 94% of the defensive snaps and lined up all over the field, from cornerback to defensive tackle. His versatility makes him the perfect joker for Flores.
4. T.J. Hockenson
Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates his touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Tight end T.J. Hockenson might miss the early parts of the 2024 season because of his knee injury, but his first full Vikings campaign showed why the front office acquired him at the 2022 trade deadline. The target magnet became the focal point of the offense when Justin Jefferson was forced to miss time, and he produced 50 yards in every game without Cousins under center, showing that he will remain a reliable target in the non-Cousins future.
3. Jonathan Greenard
Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) walks off the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Hunter left, and someone must fill his shoes. Jonathan Greenard is the top candidate for that job. He signed a four-year $76 million contract, showing that he is not just another player, but the Vikings view him as a top-notch pass rusher. He is coming off a season with 12.5 sacks, and since Flores helped Hunter set a career-high in sacks, Greenard could also benefit.
In addition to his pass-rush talent, Greenard offers high-end run defense. As a full package on the edge, Greenard will establish himself as a phenomenal outside linebacker in the upcoming season.
2. Christian Darrisaw
Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw joins his buddy O’Neill on the list. Injuries are really the only thing that can stop him, as he was forced to miss at least two games in each of his three seasons in the league. However, Darrisaw is a true bully in the running game, and he dominates pass rushers on passing downs. While he has been snubbed from any personal accolades, Vikings fans know how great a player he is.
1. Justin Jefferson
Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The top spot was never in doubt. Justin Jefferson is too good and has earned every single dollar of his remarkable $140 million extension. Nothing highlights Jefferson’s greatness more than a game in which he collects 80 receiving yards, and everyone points at the statistics and is disappointed. He needs 1,737 receiving yards to tie Anthony Carter for third all-time in Vikings receiving yards, which would be unlikely for any other player, but for Jefferson, that can be called “in reach” in 2024.
Editor’s Note: Information from 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 : 2024-07-14 10:30:00
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