Taking Stock of the Vikings Defensive Depth Following The Draft
K. Joudry
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We all knew the Vikings needed to prioritize the defense in the draft. In the end, it was an even split between both sides: 5 selections for offense and 5 for defense. If we step back, though, we’ll see that 5 of the opening 6 picks went defense, including the first 2 choices. The end result is an improvement for the Vikings’ defensive depth.
Like many others, I’m assuming Lewis Cine has the advantage over Camryn Bynum in the safety competition. When they only have two safeties, I expect to see Harrison Smith and Cine patrolling the deep portion of the field. Nevertheless, I think it’s fair to plan for a three-safety look. All three are talented, so it’s plausible that having all of them on the field is the best thing.
If we exclude QB, corner is perhaps the most important position in football. It was thus encouraging to see the team snag Andrew Booth Jr. at 42nd overall, someone who is being lauded as one of the steals of the draft. I still give the edge to Cameron Dantzler and Patrick Peterson for the top two outside CB spots, but Booth may prove me wrong. Heck, he might even see snaps in the slot. I know Chandon Sullivan is the presumptive starter for the slot, but he’s not an elite option. It’s entirely plausible that the rookie forces his way onto the field.
Brian Asamoah, Akayleb Evans, and Esezi Otomewo, in all likelihood, will fill depth roles in 2022. Perhaps they’ll get some modest snaps, but I wouldn’t plan on it. Evans, though, does look like the front runner for the CB4 spot.
So, where does that leave us for a starting defense? Take a look:
| Defensive Line | Linebacker | Secondary |
| Dalvin Tomlinson (NT) | Danielle Hunter (OLB) | Patrick Peterson (CB) |
| Harrrison Phillips (3T) | Eric Kendricks (MLB) | Andrew Booth Jr. (Slot CB) |
| Jordan Hicks (MLB) | Harrison Smith (S) | |
| Za’Darius Smith (OLB) | Lewis Cine (S) | |
| Cameron Dantzler (CB) |
If a defensive lineman gets hurt, the Vikings will likely turn to Armon Watts or Otomewo. At linebacker, the Vikings would need to rely on D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II, or Janarius Robinson along the edge. The inside spot would need to be manned by Troy Dye or Asamoah (who was chosen in the third). The secondary has Bynum, Evans, and Sullivan as the main backups.
In other words, the Vikings have done a pretty good job of building up their defensive depth. To my mind, they’d be wise to snag another corner and edge rusher. Several veterans remain on the free agent market, and injuries are inevitable.
Ed Donatell’s group is more talented than last season’s defense. He’s tasked with ensuring he not only puts the starters in a position to succeed, but also to continue developing the young players. If successful, Donatell could reasonably have a strong defense.
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