Grading the Vikings Position Groups: Defense
Josh Frey
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Now that the frenzy of free agency has begun to slow down a bit, this is a good time to take a look at the Minnesota Vikings roster and break down exactly what position needs the team still has heading into next month’s NFL Draft. In this article, we are going to take a look at Minnesota’s defense and grade each of the Vikings position groups on that side of the ball.
EDGE/Outside Linebacker
- Danielle Hunter
- Za’Darius Smith
- Marcus Davenport
- D.J. Wonnum
- Patrick Jones II
- Luiji Vilain
- Kenny Willekes
- Curtis Weaver
- Benton Whitley
- Grade: B
This group may be the most likely one to change between now and the draft. Za’Darius Smith asked to be released from the team a few weeks ago, but it doesn’t appear that this is going to happen following last Friday when an additional $5 million of his contract became guaranteed.
If the Vikings don’t trade Smith and roll into the season with all three of Marcus Davenport, Danielle Hunter, and Smith, this trio is an adept pass rushing group that should give plenty of opposing offenses trouble in Brian Flores’ defense.
Defensive Line
- Dean Lowry
- Harrison Phillips
- Jonathan Bullard
- James Lynch
- Ross Blacklock
- Esezi Otomewo
- Khyiris Tonga
- Sheldon Day
- T.J. Smith
- Grade: C
Dean Lowry is a solid addition to this group, but the loss of Dalvin Tomlinson, one of the most consistent defensive linemen in the league, is going to be a noticeable loss. This is a position to keep an eye on with the draft approaching, but if there is any depth player that could take on a big role, it’s probably Khyiris Tonga.
Middle Linebackers
- Jordan Hicks
- Brian Asamoah
- Troy Reeder
- Troy Dye
- William Kwenkeu
- Grade: C+
It’s never great when the headlining move for a position is the departure of a player, but that’s exactly what happened with the Vikings linebackers in free agency. Minnesota released long-time starter Eric Kendricks, who later signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.
To this point, the only addition to the group is former Los Angeles Ram Troy Reeder. While he started 10 games for the Rams during the Super Bowl season in 2021, Reeder largely held a special teams role in 2022. We’ll see if he and Brian Asamoah can replace Kendricks’ production, but for now, the Vikings linebacker position does not look great.
Cornerback
- Byron Murphy
- Andrew Booth Jr.
- Akayleb Evans
- Kalon Barnes
- Tay Gowan
- Grade: C+
This position could see its grade rise as the season goes on, even if Minnesota doesn’t make any further additions. This is due to the youth in the group. As of now, it looks like Andrew Booth and Akayleb Evans will be competing for a starting job opposite Byron Murphy.
However, it feels like the Vikings need to make at least one more free agent acquisition at CB to shore up the depth. Behind Murphy, there is virtually no NFL starting experience in the room, and they absolutely need to find a slot corner.
Safety
- Harrison Smith
- Cam Bynum
- Lewis Cine
- Josh Metellus
- Theo Jackson
- Grade: B
Harrison Smith took a pay cut that helped the Vikings justify keeping the 34-year-old safety in Minnesota, and he could thrive within Brian Flores’ defensive scheme. The uncertainty lies with the other players, though.
Cam Bynum had his struggles last season for Minnesota, and Lewis Cine barely got a chance to step onto the field before his leg fracture ended his season. We could very well see another addition to this group before everything is said and done.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.