Aug 18, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith (22) looks on prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Everything is a matter of opinion, especially when ranking sportsmen or women. My idea for ranking the Minnesota Vikings top five players entering the 2022 season came from Pro Football Focus ranking the top three players for all 32 teams in the NFL. The three players selected by PFF were Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter, and Dalvin Cook. Whilst Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, Za’Darius Smith, Harrison Smith, and Brian O’Neill were also considered.
The noticeable absentee is Eric Kendricks. He might have had a down year last season compared to his elite play of the two years previous, but he should still be in consideration, in my opinion. That makes nine players, whittling down to five.
After careful consideration, Thielen, Cousins, Kendricks, and Za’Darius Smith are the four who miss out. So here are the top five:
O’Neill has long been the shining light on a poor Vikings offensive line. Drafted by the Vikings in the second round back in 2018, he has put together four seasons of high-level play — enough to earn a bumper payday by signing a five-year, $92.5 million contract extension with the Vikings, making him the sixth highest-paid offensive tackle in the league.
After another good season in 2021, O’Neill was voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time. Only turning 27 years old in September and with a hopefully improving offensive line alongside him, his best years should still be ahead of him.
There’s no questioning the talent. When the ball is in Cook’s hands, anything can happen, and he is one of the most exciting players to watch across the entire league. I can’t help but mark him down due to his injury history. Five years in, and he’s never managed to complete a whole season. On the plus side, with a new offensive-minded head coach and a more modern offense, he could thrive this season.
Kevin O’Connell seems to want to include Cook more in the passing game, making him more dangerous. If the Vikings can get the ball to Cook in space, good luck to the opposing defenses trying to stop him. Less running straight downhill and more varied use could benefit Cook on the injury front, as it will be less physically demanding on his body.
After a decade in purple, the Hitman might be at the back end of his career, but he is still a quality player. He has racked up the personal accolades, being named first-team All-Pro, second-team All-Pro, and voted to six pro bowls.
At 33 years old, he will still be one of the critical parts of the Vikings defense as a veteran leader amongst a largely youthful secondary. He might not be the same player he was back in 2017/18 when he was among the very best players in the league. However, he is still playing at a high level and can still do it all. His ability to disguise his intentions is second to none and makes him so good. As long as he remains physically capable, he will always be a top player.
Here’s a throwback to Aaron Rodgers signing his praises:
When the Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, things couldn’t have worked out any better. Jefferson fell into their lap during the 2020 draft, and to say he has been a huge success would be a massive understatement. Breaking the rookie receiving yards record in Year one and then having an even better season in Year 2. Jefferson is already regarded among the best wide receivers in the league. It’s not just his stats, though. The former LSU man is the complete package and the guy to build for the future around.
From his infectious personality, wide smile, dancing celebrations, and hunger to be the best — he is a bonafide superstar. He has everything you want from a star player to lead your franchise.
It’s Hunter who takes the top spot. It was a difficult choice between him and Jefferson, notably because of Hunter’s injury trouble over the last couple of years. All Vikings fans should have their fingers crossed that Hunter can steer clear of injury this season. When he is healthy, he is the best player on this team and the most important player for the Vikings to succeed.
The Vikings defense was lost without Hunter in 2020, and his return in 2021 brought a welcome improvement — until he went down injured again, and the Vikings defense went off a cliff. The difference Hunter makes to the Vikings defense is staggering. Working in tandem with newly signed Za’Darius Smith promises to be a frightening prospect. Hunter needs to get his career back on track and show everyone he is still one of the very best around.