The Secondary Shepherds
K. Joudry
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Harrison Smith and Patrick Peterson will each snag a starting position for Week 1. While their individual contributions are important, they’ll be relied on for far more than just their jobs as a single safety and single corner.
Indeed, each is in the final years of their career. Patrick Peterson came into the league in 2011, and Harrison Smith joined him in 2012. Both were first-round picks. Each has since made it multiple Pro Bowls and each has been an All Pro. When it’s all said and done, both will end up in Canton.
The combination of their experience and history of elite play make them valuable parts of the Minnesota secondary. They’ll be relied upon to shepherd the young fellas, providing guidance and protection so that the youthful defensive backs can avoid common pitfalls and dangers. By this point, Smith and Peterson have seen an awful lot. It’s safe to say they’re each among the smartest players at their position, just as it’s fair to say that each will be tasked with sharing their wisdom on the sidelines and on the field.
At times, fans can become frustrated when teams justify keeping veterans around primarily because they’ve got experience. That’s not what’s occurring here. The expectation is for Patrick Peterson and Harrison Smith to each be above average players. Of the two, Smith has the best shot at climbing into elite. Peterson, though, can be a rock-solid CB2. Can they offer this strong play while simultaneously helping to elevate the other players?
Cameron Dantzler is 23, Andrew Booth Jr. is 21, and Akayleb Evans is 23. Lewis Cine is 22, Camryn Bynum is 23, and Josh Metellus is 24. There’s a lot of upside among this group. The downside of youth, of course, is a lack of experience. If Smith (who is 33) and Peterson (who is 32) can help to fill-in the gaps, then Minnesota’s secondary has a better chance of bouncing back in 2022.
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