Kwesi’s Much-Maligned 2022 Draft Class is Turning the Corner as Unheralded Viking Begins Shining
K. Joudry
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Can I interest you in an extra helping of Ty Chandler? After all, it’s Thanksgiving, and a lot of people in Minnesota have been appreciative of the sophomore’s effort in recent weeks.
No shortage of digital ink has been spilled on Kwesi’s much-maligned 2022 draft class. Kicking things off with a highly questionable trade with the Lions before selecting a safety who is most often a healthy scratch doesn’t give the GM much leeway. Now partner those decisions with the Andrew Booth selection (and trade) and things look even dicier.
Bringing a bit more hope to the table is Ty Chandler, a second-year running back who is impressing coach and fan alike. His speed is sensational, allowing him to quickly get to the edge while picking up plus yardage.
Thinking back to the Week 11 loss will cause Vikings fans to recall the successful fake punt. A gutsy call from Kevin O’Connell was rewarded with a 31-yard pickup. On 4th & 4 from Minnesota’s own 31, Chandler proved his coach right. Even more notable is that Chandler also did some great things on offense, and that’s after a strong effort against the Saints in Week 10.
What’s in store for the running back?
Kwesi’s Much-Maligned Draft Class and the Ty Chandler Hope
Wes Phillips is a believer.
The offensive coordinator thinks Ty Chandler is capable of propelling Minnesota’s offense forward. “Love to see Ty get in there and make some plays,” Phillips says unprompted, “and I think not only in the run game but in the pass game, as well. When he’s touching the ball, some good things are happening.”
No one can doubt Chandler’s wheels. The 25-year-old running back is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, a robust number that’s taking the top spot in Minnesota (among running backs, at least). Alexander Mattison, the RB1, is down at 3.7 yards per carry and Cam Akers was sitting at 3.6. So, a noticeable uptick with Chandler.
He ran a 4.38 forty leading up to the draft, and that speed translates to the football field. The Vikings have made a concerted effort to get him into open space and that has been a strategy that’s paying off.
Earlier in the year, the Vikings turned to Chandler to pull off some trickery. Denver, of course, stands out since it’s the most recent example. But in Week 10 against New Orleans there was the exquisite touchdown with Chandler taking the direct snap. In Week 5, Chandler converted on a different punt fake (relive the magical moment with the highlight on Minnesota’s website).
No doubt, Matt Daniels has taken notice of the running back’s effort. Per the special teams coordinator, Chandler is “truly showing his versatility.” Apparently, the running back approached Daniels about seeing his role increase on special teams. The coordinator obliged, noting that Chandler has turned into the “quarterback of the punt team” and that he’s taking ownership of his job on specials. Chandler is “constantly taking notes, constantly asking great questions” from Daniels.
Impressive stuff from Chandler.
If Ty Chandler reaches his potential, then Minnesota will have its long-term running back solution already under contract. The overall assessment of Adofo-Mensah’s opening draft class would thus appear to be considerably more optimistic.
Ed Ingram is the starting right guard moving forward and Akayleb Evans will be the CB2 for the next little while. Brian Asamoah still has potential to be a contributor at linebacker while Nick Muse has hung around, largely due to his strong preseason. The jury is still out on Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth, and Jalen Nailor.
Seeing the 5th-round running back exceed expectations by eventually becoming the RB1 would be a major win for the Vikings. He’s needed both now and in the future.
After eleven games, Ty Chandler is up to 33 rushes for 160 yards and a TD. He has added on 9 receptions for 80 yards. Picking up some chunk yards against the Bears on Monday Night Football will go a long way in helping Josh Dobbs and the Vikings more broadly to bounce back with a win.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 CST on Monday, November 27th.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
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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.