Brian Asamoah’s Rise Isn’t Surprising

Sep 18, 2021; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Brian Asamoah (24) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings defense is certainly a unit on the rise. They’ve revamped star talent with signings like Za’Darius Smith, injected youth into the secondary with draft picks Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr., and even overhauled their schemes from a 4-3 to a 3-4. On top of that, I’ve already scribbled out an article detailing Jordan Hicks as Minnesota’s most underrated offseason acquisition. All this said, and none of these players are the ones described as the “standout” of the spring. Instead, that honor goes to rookie linebacker Brian Asamoah.

It may seem like a surprise that a third-round rookie would garner such praise, but as the 2022 season begins, everyone will quickly become accustomed to seeing the former Oklahoma Sooner make great plays.

To start, Asamoah is a perfect fit with this iteration of the Vikings defense. Especially if you want more information on what the Vikings defense could look like this year, I’d suggest taking a look at our editor Kyle Joudry’s series, “The Donatell Diary”. The series goes week-be-week to see what new defensive coordinator, Ed Donatell, did with the Denver Broncos last year.

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This version of the Minnesota Vikings defense is different than ones we’ve have seen in years past. For instance, the Vikings selected defensive players in each of the first five rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft. This hasn’t happened for Minnesota since 1997. The Vikings had clear intentions to improve their defense this year, and they went about it through multiple avenues.

All of these picks have similar traits. They are all athletic, physical defenders that can provide support against both the pass and the run. Asamoah has all of these traits in a major position of need for the Vikings. Minnesota’s linebacker group is hailed as one of the very best in the NFL, largely because of Eric Kendricks. However, as Kendricks grows older, we may see a need for others to step up.

With that in mind, as well as an increased reliance on linebackers since Minnesota’s switch to a 3-4 defense, Asamoah’s rookie year may require a larger role than some predicted. In pass coverage, his feet are very bouncy and quickly react to opposing wide receivers. Straight-line speed is great, but Asamoah’s ability to change directions with ease makes him dangerous. It helps that he’s aware enough to make plays like these, too.

In a similar light, his willingness to get physical is very useful in run defense. His speed and hard-hitting mentality combine to create a missile as he navigates blockers into the backfield.

Keep in mind, too, that Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks will be free agents following the 2023 season. The Vikings needed to find some flexibility at linebacker for this season, but they also need a long-term answer too. Brian Asamoah looks to be just that.

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