Are the Vikings Placing Too Much Hope on 1 Defender?
Kevin O’Connell spoke to the media during the opening day of minicamp. The head coach discussed his corner group, noting the strength of the competition and the growth of some of the young players.
During his answer, the head coach circled around to a specific player who really stands out: free-agent addition Byron Murphy. Are the Vikings placing too much on the former Cardinal?
O’Connell, reasonably enough, is enthused about his new CB1. One of the main reasons why is because of Murphy’s ability to move all over the field: “Byron Murphy has done a phenomenal job both as an outside and an inside corner. Really kind of setting the tone for that group, which has been really cool to see.”
Not too long afterwards, the coach mentions Mekhi Blackmon, Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., and Joejuan Williams. Other players will need to step up. That’s a certainty, and yet the reality is that all that’s truly known is that Murphy will be leaned on as a bonafide starter and matchup corner.
O’Connell, to his credit, brought the answer back around to the defensive backs as a whole. Clearly, the plan is to continue implementing a defense that relies on DBs more generally. Seeing more than just a pair of safeties on the field won’t be at all surprising given some of the recent comments and the talent that exists at the position.
The head coach hinted about the possibility: “We’re playing a lot of personnel groupings. Just trying to mix and match with our safety group to ultimately see how we can get the best 11 on the field.” Stealing from an area of strength – safety – to help reinforce a potential weakness – corner – is sensible enough, especially since both positions reside in the secondary more broadly.
Even still, the concern remains. In Week 1, the Buccaneers will boast Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. In Week 2, the Eagles will offer A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. In Week 3, the Chargers will put forward Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston. And so on.
See the issue?
Murphy, 25, has tons of potential for the Vikings. He’s the rare player who signs in free agency who offers significant youth with significant experience. Arguably his most impressive year arrived in 2021 where he had 4 interceptions and 12 passes defended. Replicating that kind of disruptive production will certainly help and yet the concern remains, especially since he’s coming off a year when he only played in 9 games due to injury.
Sitting on close to $18 million in cap space, the Vikings have the opportunity to onboard more talent at the ultra-important position. A trade or a signing is possible financially. Making an addition would go a long way in quieting the chatter about 2023 being a rebuilding year. Plus, the roster has an open roster spot following the Dalvin Cook release.
Uncertainty swirls around Danielle Hunter and the corner room lacks proven talent. After a trio of brutal defensive seasons, Vikings fans are hoping for a much better effort in 2023.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
