A Pair of Former Vikings Got a Shot at Earning a Contract for the Lions
K. Joudry
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The Detroit Lions have been working through some injury troubles. Dan Campbell’s squad has moved James Houston and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the IR, prompting Detroit to look for some reinforcements.
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson noted that Minnesota’s Michigan rivals worked out a pair of former Vikings earlier in the week: “#Lions worked out Mitchell Agude, Chris Jackson, Nate McCrary, Darius Phillips, Abram Smith, Jordan Smith and Kenny Willekes.” The names that should stand out for Vikings fans are edge rusher Kenny Willekes and running back Abram Smith.
Pair of Former Vikings Work Out for the Lions
Taking a quick look at Detroit’s transactions in recent days reveals that neither former Viking has earned a contract in Detroit. Nevertheless, this is a situation to monitor. After all, the Vikings took a long time to eventually sign Dalton Risner after bringing the offensive lineman in for a workout.
Willekes arrived in Minnesota in the 2020 NFL Draft. He went in the 7th round as the 225th player chosen. Coming into the NFL Draft, the pass rusher put up an impressive 32 reps on the bench press while running a 4.87 forty. So, some athletic upside but not akin to someone like Danielle Hunter.
He didn’t get onto the field very often, largely due to injury. Nevertheless, he did make some impact in 2021, seeing 202 snaps on defense. He turned that opportunity into 18 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 TFLs, and 1 PD.
Not earth shattering numbers, but definitely some production. Moving on from Willekes is simply one more instance of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah flipping the roster over into his own image. The 6’3″, 264-pound defender is 26.
Abram Smith was a more recent addition in Minnesota.
The running back joined the Vikings’ offseason roster as the team was looking for more competition at running back. To begin his career, Smith got his start with the Saints but didn’t last too long in the Bayou. He possesses good size at 5’11” and 221 pounds, so it makes sense that teams are interested in his services, especially given his productive college career at Baylor.
Recently, the Vikings’ running back situation has come into focus given the team’s decision to bring Cam Akers to town. The former Ram didn’t cost too much, so it looks like a low-risk gamble from the general manager. Plus, we also think of the Vikings adding Myles Gaskin into the purple fold, yet another indication that running back depth is a coveted commodity in Minnesota these days.
The Vikings and Lions don’t play until much later in the season. The first game takes place in Week 16 at U.S. Bank Stadium. To conclude the season in Week 18, the Vikings will travel to Ford Field.
Coming into the year, there was some belief that the final game of the regular season could determine the winner of the NFC North. Right now, that possibility still exists, but Minnesota will need to hold up their end of the bargain. Kevin O’Connell needs to get his squad out of their 0-2 hole so they can climb back into contention for a playoff spot.
Keep an eye on Kenny Willekes and Abram Smith. Detroit hasn’t made a move for them yet, but there’s a chance we see them donning the blue & silver before the season finishes.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.