Rookies To Keep Watching During Vikings’ Preseason
Henrique Gucciardi
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Last week, I talked about sophomores who can have a larger role, so now we shift focus to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell’s first draft class. Of course, everyone watching will pay attention to Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth, with those two being the team’s first draft picks, but it doesn’t mean they’re the only Vikings rookies to watch in the preseason.
Ed Ingram, Right Guard
Ed Ingram didn’t begin with the clearest path to being a starter, but he may have the best odds to start Week 1. Going from one side of the offensive line to another is a transition that is harder than people assume, but Ingram is doing this well. He is getting more opportunities to practice with the starters, even with Jesse Davis also out there.
Each day Ingram looks to be better and earning more reps with the 1st team OL, getting snaps with the starters in the first training session with the 49ers. PFF gave him an 87.3 grade after Sunday’s game and it was well deserved. In my opinion, Ingram was the best Viking on the field and one of the best players overall. If he just keeps doing the same thing he can be the starter in Week 1.
Jalen Nailor, Wide Receiver
Nailor was a very good player for the Michigan State Spartans, with 37 catches, 695 yards, and 6 touchdowns in his last season there. He’s a speedy – don’t let his 4.5 40-time fool you – player with good route running. This was a steal for Adofo-Mensah, as his abilities should’ve put him in the 3rd-4th round range.
He’s way down the order in the first unofficial depth chart but could leapfrog to WR5 with a strong preseason. I believe he’ll make the final 53. As it does with almost every roster spot fight, special teams will play a huge part.
Ty Chandler, Running Back
Chandler is a fun player to watch. He’s really explosive and dynamic. He is listed as the RB4 in the first unofficial depth chart, behind Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, and Kene Nwangwu, but he’s likely safe to make the roster. It’s nothing more than a feeling, but he can be the RB3 when the season starts. With Chandler on the team, the Vikings have good running back depth.
After the first preseason game it seems likely that Minnesota will carry 4 running backs on the roster. They’re simply very good and it’s not smart to cut one of them. Chandler led the team with 50 rushing yards in only 5 carries and I think he’ll have an important role in the 2022 offense.
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