FAN or MANkato 2023 | Preseason Week 3

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FAN or MANkato 2023 | Preseason Week 3

Offseason with the Minnesota Vikings

 

The Dreaded Day.

With the Vikings final preseason game complete, players returned to Minnesota with anxiety on their mind. "Did I show enough in the preseason," "is this it for my football career?" they wondered. 

For the vets who knew they had solidified a spot in the Vikings 2023 plans, it was a simple "complete media responsibilities and go home" type of day. But the rest of the players, the ones uneasy about their roster status, seemed to mull about in the locker room at the Vikings facilities in Eagan. 

Of the notable cuts, the Vikings released a trio of veteran special teamers. Austin Clark, a ST coverage specialist who had played WR at Tulane in 2021, was perhaps the most surprising, as he was a fan favorite during his rookie 2022 season. Clark could still see an opportunity elsewhere, as he caught passes for 21.55 yards per reception with 6 TDs at Tulane, before returning 2 kickoffs for 48 yards and adding 6 ST tackles in his lone season with the Vikings. Gregory Linley was considered safely to be the Vikings punter this year, but the team brought in ex-Bills 2nd year man Anthony Upton, who won the job outright with booming punts of 50-60 yards throughout the preseason. Linley could also catch on somewhere this season. Robin Reynolds went 32/36 on XP and just 24/34 on FG in his rookie year after beating out two other kickers on the Vikings 2022 offseason roster. The Vikings drafted Jordan Tripucka this year, all but cementing Reynolds' fate, but there was thought the BYU kicker might still slip onto the practice squad given the short leash Vikings kickers seem to be on.

The Vikings made several releases on the offensive line, where they had a lot of numbers and only so many spots on their 55 and PS. Rookie C Cesar Barnes saw his roster status become obsolete with the acquisition of Dustin Woodson-Luster in a post-draft trade from the Steelers, and with the Vikings already carrying starter Darren Williard and backup interior OL Quinterrius Parsons, there just was no room for the drafted rookie out of Indiana.  OT Gary Albers is a rising face to watch, with the former Kansas Jayhawks OT looking NFL backup worthy at times during this offseason. Albers unfortunately didn't fit the Vikings pass heavy scheme, but the talent in a run-oriented offense is there. His fellow Jayhawk and Viking teammate, OG Danny Syndergaard, was also released. The Vikings have looked heavily at Kansas for UDFAs these past two seasons, but have cut Albers, Syndergaard, DT Mike Brantly, and DT Daniel Dekker, which could put future Jayhawk UDFAs on edge when receiving offseason invites from the team.  

The most surprising release came with the cut of OT/OG Brandon Gwynn. Gwynn started games at right guard for the Vikings last season, and many penciled him in as either a competitor for the starting RG spot, or at leats, a roster lock. Gwynn, though, didn't even receive an offer to return to the Vikings practice squad. The 6'4", 289lb pass blocker should find a home elsewhere.

Some unsurprising cuts included TE Matt Hwang, a UDFA mostly on the preseason roster due to his height (6'5") and the lack of Vikings tight ends; WR Jurrell Walker IV, who had 2,254 receiving yards and 20 TDs at Auburn, but failed to make a splash in a crowded Vikings receiving corps; and camp arm QB Randy Madson. LB Spencer Lacombe had a tackle for a loss in the Vikings preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers. 

What does this mean?

The Vikings have completed cuts down to 67 overall roster spots, but this doesn't mean that the opening day roster is solidified. Unlike last week, where the Vikings had an internal cut down date, all of the other teams must also make compliant cutdowns, which the Vikings will no doubt sort through. Teams will also need to designate practice squad players, which could also be opportunities for the Vikings or others to add to their rosters. The Vikings famously added RB Robert Thomas last year off of the Eagles, who would go on to be a prominent kick returner in Minnesota. 

How did the rookies fare in the preseason?

1ST ROUND DT Marcus Sirles 

Sirles played just the preseason opener against the Raiders, finishing with two tackles. In a normal year, Sirles probably would have played at least the 2nd game as well, but the Vikings needed to look at their understudy DTs and Sirles was locked in as a starter from the moment he was drafted.

2ND ROUND DE Kyle Wilson 

Wilson was in the same exact situation as Sirles, though not an "absolute" lock to start. Wilson played the first game, had 2 tackles, and then headed to the film room instead of playing against scrubs the final two weeks. Wilson will get the starting nod for week 1.

3RD ROUND RB Aldrick Ynoa 

Ynoa carried 4 times for 6 yards in his preseason debut, an underwhelming amount of touches for one of the most electrifying backs in 2022's college game. He added 2 catches for 8 yards on 3 targets throughout the preseason, but the Vikings seemed to primarily focus his preseason work in the return game rather than being blocked for by a completely inexperienced line. 

3RD ROUND SS Alfredo Nix-Jones 

ANJ started the Vikings Week 2 and Week 3 preseason games, combining for 10 tackles. This SS race is currently too close to call, but Id expect a "tie" to lean towards vet Christopher Chapman for the time being.

4TH ROUND TE Conner Pence 

Pence caught 3/8 targets for 24 yards, and will slot in at TE2 for the season opener.

4TH ROUND WR Brock Scott 

The Vikings had plenty of WR mouths to feed all preseason, so Scott didn't get much work. He'll begin the season as the team's largely untested slot man.

4TH ROUND LB Ryan Hicks 

Ryan Hicks becomes the team's 3rd "starter" of the class, though he will strictly be the teams LOLB in 4-3, run heavy sets for the time being. 

5TH ROUND OG Mike Wynn 

Wynn didn't see much action, with the team opting to play UDFA linemen instead. He needs a year or two of development before contributing, and will likely be the highest-drafted Viking to be on the practice squad.

5TH ROUND WR Ty Mizzell 

Mizzell saw early slot work, hauling in 1/3 targets for 6 yards against the Raiders. He'll begin the year as WR4. 

5TH ROUND CB Darnell Hale 

Hale forced a fumble against the Chiefs, and will take on immediate dimeback responsibilities. 

6TH ROUND RB Doug Brothers 

Brothers carried 6 times for 32 yards against the Raiders, probably the most accurate look he'd get all preseason. He finished the preseason adding 31 more carries, but for just 64 more yards, and hauled in 6/11 targets for 56 yards. Expect Ynoa to see a major increase in usage in the regular season, but don't rule out Brothers getting his own share of touches. 

6TH ROUND OT Elijah Greene 

Greene had a strong preseason, locking up the Vikings 3rd OT spot early. The Vikings will likely start Steve Kozel at RT throughout the regular season, but Greene could be the future there.

6TH ROUND DT Brent Lopez 

Lopez had 3 tackles against the Chiefs, and will play rotational DT this season. 

6TH ROUND C Cesar Barnes 

As seen above, Barnes is the first of the Vikings' 2023 draft class to be cut. He struggled to compete for training camp reps, and became buried in the bevy of linemen the Vikings carried through the preseason. 

7TH ROUND QB Derrick Marshall 

Marshall was given two games worth of live action, and struggled mightily, with the caveat of having to throw to primarily UDFA caliber receivers while being blocked for by entirely inexperienced OL. Marshall finished the 2 games with 8 INTs and took 4 sacks, but the experience he gained was invaluable. 

7TH ROUND DE Erick Kieshnick 

A Minnesota favorite as an alum of the Gophers, Kieshnick came into the preseason with high hopes. He's survived the first rounds of roster cuts, but will likely figure in as the Vikings DE5 or DE6, and could spend time on the practice squad.

7TH ROUND DB LaDarius Lockett 

Lockett was a cornerback at Ohio State, but the Vikings have used him exclusively as a project free safety. Lockett had 7 tackles in 2 games, and will likely contribute off the bench and on special teams.

7TH ROUND K Jordan Tripucka 

Tripucka went 2/2 on XPs, but missed his lone FG attempt, a 47 yarder against Kansas City. He'll get the Vikings place-kicking job over Robin Reynolds, but will be on a short leash like the 3 Vikings kickers that have come before him.

So, who will be crowned Mr. Mankato 2023?

Elijah Greene and Doug Brothers could make strong cases, as late round rookies who have earned roster spots. But the Vikings had a number of UDFA who shined, with several currently penciling in as players who will either make the opening day 55, or early season practice squad.

The Contenders

WR Matt Aboushi, UDFA, Old Dominion

Aboushi was a priority UDFA who the Vikings were quick to get involved. He managed just 2 receptions on 13 hurried targets from Derrick Marshall, but given the Vikings inexperienced WR depth, and a solid 6'2". 205lb frame, Aboushi could be a matchup nightmare in the red zone. Barring a late preseason move, Aboushi will make the opening day 55, but will be very low on the DC.

 

LB Austin Armstead, UDFA, Penn State

At 6'2", 235, Armstead has the ability to play either inside or outside at the next level. He won't play over Ryan Hicks, but had 15 tackles with an assist, which will give him the chance to see future Vikings reps.

DT Cayson Rodgers, UDFA, Northern Illinois

The Vikings have an interior DL with potential, with veteran Neil Henry being joined by marquee selection Marcus Sirles and 6th rounder Brent Lopez. But Rodgers outperformed fellow UDFA Paul Reed, notching 3 tackles with a TFL in just 1 game of opportunity. Rodgers had 25 TFL and 7.0 sacks in his college years on an uninspiring MAC team, but will give new NIU coach @Ape a selling point that, yes, a team from DeKalb can produce NFL talent.

 

LB Ezekiel Sands, UDFA, Kansas

What would an offseason be without the Vikings bringing in a homer player out of Kansas. Ziggy Sands had 129.5 tackles at KU, with 28 TFL, and was the Jayhawks defensive captain both of his years there. With the Vikings, he managed 10 tackles, a TFL, and a FR, and beat out LB Anthony Williams for the reserve ILB spot to Narrinder Beckmann. 

OL Jared Simon, UDFA, Bowling Green

Simon was the college teammate of Elijah Greene, and the Vikings worked out Bowling Green QB Dexter Reed early in the offseason, who highly praised his guard Simon. The Vikings played Simon at left tackle throughout the preseason, and will keep him as a reserve guard/tackle with his 6'4", 295lb frame. A pass blocking specialist, expect him to be listed on the left side of the Vikings depth chart.

MR. MANKATO 2023

Joining 2022 winner WR Oswaldo Urrutia in Mr. Mankato lore, this year's winner of the fan-voted Mr. Mankato award is

EDGE Ashaad Anderson, UDFA, Baylor

Anderson had a massive 4 tackle, 2 TFL, 2.0 sack performance against the Chiefs at home in week 2, and had 3 more tackles against Carolina in week 3. Anderson isn't expected to start anytime soon, but could compete with 2022 rookie starter Mitch Rivers for backup reps behind Kyle Wilson and Paul Munford. 

[tsweezy]

Don't give up on my boy Aldrick