Optimism Surrounds 2022 Vikings Draft Pick Following Successful Surgery
Josh Frey
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The 2022 Vikings draft class has often been a topic of criticism when it comes to GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
There has not been much production from that class outside of RG Ed Ingram, CB Akayleb Evans, and RB Ty Chandler over the past two seasons, but there may be reason for renewed optimism surrounding one of the the Vikings’ picks from that class.
That player is LB Brian Asamoah, who apparently went through the majority of the 2023 season dealing with an injury.
Renewed Optimism Surrounding 2022 Vikings Draft Pick
The linebacker underwent a shoulder surgery last week to repair said injury. Asamoah announced his surgery last week by tweeting, “Surgery was a success. Can’t wait to attack this rehab and get back to work.”
Then, on Monday, Asamoah followed up on social media with another tweet that read, “Only been 5 days out of shoulder surgery and I’m already ahead of my rehab schedule. Thank you, God.”
Asamoah missed four games during the 2023 regular season, but that was because of a separate ankle injury. However, even when he was available, the linebacker didn’t get much playing time with the defense. He tallied just 36 snaps on defense during the regular season, which was a disappointment after many tabbed him as a breakout candidate before the year.
Part of the reason behind this lack of playing time was because of rookie Ivan Pace, who burst onto the scene this season after being signed as an undrafted free agent. The former Cincinnati Bearcat took no prisoners throughout 2023, totaling 11 starts and putting together 102 tackles, two tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two passes defended, an interception, and a forced fumble.
However, Darren Wolfson of KSTP shed some light that could reveal the remainder of the reason why Asamoah did not get on the field on a regular basis. During an appearance on SKOR North, Wolfson stated that the 2022 third-round pick was plagued by the injury throughout the season.
“My understanding is he was battling something the entire year. […] We now know why it was such a difficult year. He got hurt early, and he never recovered. So this surgery this week was to fix that problem that started back in training camp.”
This theory makes much more sense than the idea that Asamoah randomly fell off a cliff during his second season. The linebacker wasn’t necessarily a featured part of Minnesota’s defense in 2022, but he did appear in 16 games, totaling 119 snaps with the defense.
During his rookie year, Asamoah put together 17 tackles and had a key forced fumble and recovery during Minnesota’s Week 16 win over the New York Giants to seal their NFC North title. PFF also graded him at 78.8 on defense, which ranked first among all rookie linebackers.
This new update doesn’t necessarily mean that Asamoah is a surefire starter when the 2024 season rolls around, but it should offer a bit more hope that the linebacker can rejuvenate his young career in his third season.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference and Pro Football Focus.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. 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.