Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings will begin their training camp shortly. Rookies are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, and the remaining players on Tuesday. In the following weeks, the team will prepare for the regular season that kicks off on September 8. The Vikings made many changes in the offseason. Replacing the pass rushers and acquiring a new quarterback were certainly the main adjustments.
Emerging Vikings Defender Tabbed Breakout Candidate
Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (right) and safety Camryn Bynum (left) and safety Josh Metellus (44) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
However, one position has been untouched since last season: The safeties. All six rostered players have simply returned for another campaign, including all-time great Harrison Smith, who will play his 13th season with the Vikings. He has had many wingmen on the other safety spot. Names like Andrew Sendejo, Anthony Harris, Jamarca Sanford, Robert Blanton, and Xavier Woods come to mind.
In the last two seasons, 2021 fourth-round draft choice Camryn Bynum has been his counterpart, and his emergence has been fun to watch, especially in his 2023 season after an up-and-down 2022 performance.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder expects him to continue his rise to stardom in the upcoming season, naming him Minnesota’s breakout candidate.
Bynum made a name for himself last year, setting career highs in tackles (137), passes defended (nine) and forced fumbles (three). He’s gotten better every single year of his career and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cal product finish his fourth season with a Pro Bowl and/or All-Pro bid.
Matt Holder, Bleacher Report
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
Bynum was one of Rick Spielman’s two parting gifts in his final draft as the team’s general manager. He chose Christian Darrisaw in the first round and the defensive back from the University of California in the fourth.
An adjustment period was necessary after playing cornerback in college, but he learned rather quickly, stepping up in the two contests Smith missed because of COVID-19. He played quite well and even logged his first career interception in his first start, picking off Lamar Jackson.
In year two, his future with the Vikings looked bleak when Lewis Cine became the organization’s newest member. But Bynum defended the starting job in training camp and hasn’t looked back since. A struggling 2022 campaign under Ed Donatell was followed by a remarkable second season as a starter.
Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) celebrates his interception with safety Camryn Bynum (24) against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Bynum led all defensive backs in the NFL in tackles with 137 and improved in all facets of the game. His primary job is that of the deep safety who prevents big plays from happening, allowing fellow safeties Smith and Josh Metellus to patrol the box.
His 2023 season catapulted him from defensive liability to future cornerstone of the franchise. With him entering the final season of his rookie contract, the Vikings will try to sign him to an extension, perhaps even in the next few weeks, to get a discount, especially if they believe in continued growth.
Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell greets safety Camryn Bynum (24) before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
His development will be needed if the Vikings want to reach Bynum’s lofty goals.
The safety declared in June: “I expect the Super Bowl. Everybody says that, and everybody should say that, but you look at the guys on the team, the locker room, all the experience that we have; look at how much depth we have, especially on the defense. We have so many guys; it’s almost weird looking around because you’re (thinking) how are we all going to get on the field because there’s so many ballers.”
Bynum just turned 26 and should be a fixture in Brian Flores’ defense.
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
Source link : https://purpleptsd.com/2024/vikings/vikings-analysis/emerging-vikings-defender/
Author :
Publish date : 2024-07-20 21:15:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.