Minnesota’s Most Important Depth Defenders Coming out of The Bye
K. Joudry
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Generally, I put out a depth chart leading up to the game on Sunday. Since there isn’t a game, I’ve decided to pivot. Many of us have been concerned about the defense. More specifically, we’re looking to see if Ed Donatell’s group can reach its full potential by morphing into a truly dominant defense. To help unpack that topic, I’m offering up a piece that considers Minnesota’s most important depth defenders.
Most people focus on the starters, and for good reason. After all, they’re the ones that get most of the snaps and stats. Nevertheless, it’s a team’s depth that can often make the difference between a win and a loss. Who will the Vikings be leaning on as the season marches toward its midway point?
D.J. Wonnum & Patrick Jones II, Edge Rusher
We’re starting with a 2-for-1 deal, folks. Minnesota’s two backup edge rushers are among the team’s most important depth defenders.
After 5 games, Wonnum has 2.5 sacks and some impressive plays against the run. Meanwhile, Jones has 2 sacks to go alongside his 3 TFLs. The PFF fans might be interested to know that the former is ranked 62nd among 116 edge rushers and the latter is ranked 48th among the 116 edge rushers. So, not too shabby for Minnesota’s EDGE3 and EDGE4.
So far, Za’Darius Smith has been very good. Danielle Hunter has had both some good and bad moments, but there’s reason to believe he’ll keep improving (don’t forget he’s transitioning to 3-4 OLB). The Smith/Hunter tandem demands so much attention that Wonnum and Jones often get favorable matchups. They’ll need to keep producing.
Brian Asamoah, Linebacker
The rookie linebacker has gotten onto the field more in recent weeks.
He played 6 snaps on defense in Week 5. In Week 6, he only got in for a pair of snaps, but we’re still seeing a bit of a trend: Ed Donatell is turning to his speedy rookie to help spy a speedy QB. Next Sunday, the Vikings will be taking on Kyler Murray and the Cardinals, so I’m looking for Asamoah to get onto the field.
The linebacker has also been present on special teams. After the massive punt from Ryan Wright, the Vikings had 3 players right on Tyreek Hill’s doorstep to help ensure the WR couldn’t return the ball. Asamoah was one of these three players. Look for him to continue being critical to special teams coverage as he contributes on defense in a limited manner.
Josh Metellus, Safety
The depth safety is someone whom we’ve discussed before. Even before losing Lewis Cine, Metellus was going to play a vital role on special teams and (if needed) defense. The Cine injury further solidifies Metellus’ importance.
The 24-year-old has 20 tackles, 2 PDs, and 1 INT in 2022. All of those numbers are career highs. It’s also notable that he has played 75% of the team’s special teams snaps. Regardless of whether he ends up starting in Donatell’s defense, Metellus is still going to see the field a lot.
Metellus doesn’t have the clearest path toward significant snaps among Minnesota’s depth defenders. The top two safeties tend to stay on the field for the whole game, unlike the edge rushers who commonly need a break. Even still, Metellus will be the first one off the bench if there’s an injury. He has shown he can do a great job when he needs to fill in.
Editor’s Note: Shout out to PFR and PFF for the great stats and information.
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