Questions Answered: Biggest Surprise on New Depth Chart, Armon Watts, Bynum over Cine
Dustin Baker
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The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by PurplePTSD. Today is the August 10th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
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Q: In your opinion, what was the biggest surprise from Wednesday’s unofficial depth chart release?
A: In our estimation, the biggest surprise from the depth chart release is Myron Mitchell’s apparent placement.
Mitchell appears to be the early WR6, which isn’t breaking news from a national viewpoint. However, Vikings fans didn’t really have Mitchell on the 53-man roster-cut radar. Now, Mitchell is a true contender to make the team.
Plus, Mitchell has dazzled at times in training camp, legitimizing his placement on the unofficial depth chart. Mitchell will be in good shape if the Vikings keep six or seven WRs.
Q: Does Armon Watts have any competition for his starting job?
A: Not unless they sign Ndamukong Suh.
The good news for Watts is that he should be set as Vikings starter on the defensive line. If Suh is signed — the Vikings are the frontrunner to land his services per Vegas sportsbooks — Watts’ starting gig would be in serious jeopardy.
Regardless, the Vikings will use plenty of funky 3-4 looks in 2022. Watts will get defensive snaps no matter what.
Q: What does it say about Lewis Cine if Camryn Bynum is listed as the starter on the depth chart?
A: Not much — this is how it goes for rookies, especially for ones with a good football player ahead of them on the roster.
Cine is the future for the Vikings at safety, and Vikings enthusiasts shouldn’t be downtrodden by his backup status on the first depth chart. Cine has all preseason to prove people wrong. And if he’s as good as advertised, he’ll do just that.
Consider Cine the eventual replacement for Harrison Smith. Minnesota having “too many” good safeties in Smith, Bynum, and Cine is a wonderful problem.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
