3 Intriguing Players for the Vikings to Consider Following the First Wave of Roster Cuts
Josh Frey
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The NFL has begun the process of trimming down their rosters to 53 players with the cutdown deadline fast approaching.
The Minnesoa Vikings have released 15 players to this point and traded OT Vederian Lowe to the New England Patriots. As the roster cuts continue, here are 3 intriguing players who the Vikings could consider adding to their team.
OL Michael Dunn
On Monday morning, the Cleveland Browns made the decision to release offensive lineman Michael Dunn. He has spent the past three seasons with the franchise, appearing in 28 games and making 4 starts.
Throughout his NFL career, Dunn largely has been a guard for the Browns. However, during his collegiate career with the Maryland Terrapins, the 6’5 offensive lineman played the majority of his snaps at left tackle.
Currently, the Vikings have nine offensive linemen in their room, so it’s not extremely thin, but with Blake Brandel potentially moving back to tackle along with Chris Reed’s injury, perhaps Minnesota would want to add some more depth to the o-line. Dunn would be a strong choice for that role.
CB Desmond King
The Vikings inexperience and youth at the cornerback position are well-documented across NFL media. They signed Byron Murphy in free agency, but outside of him, they have very young depth across the board.
On Monday afternoon, the Houston Texans released CB Desmond King, immediately offering another veteran corner to the rest of the NFL. King has played six seasons in the NFL, and while he spent the majority of his early career as a pure nickel playing in the slot, he has split time in the slot and on the boundary over the past two seasons.
King not only offers great versatility in the secondary, but he also has experience as both a kick and punt returner throughout his career. He has recorded 2 punt return TDs over his career and averages 9.1 yards per return. With Kene Nwangwu’s health being a question mark, perhaps King can be an answer on the special teams as well.
DL D’Anthony Jones
A defense can never have enough pass-rushing presence, and D’Anthony Jones was exactly that over his collegiate career with the Houston Cougars. The Chicago Bears released him this week as they begin trimming down their roster. Considering the Vikings don’t have a true stud on the defensive line right now, Jones could be a target for them.
During his final year with the Cougars, Jones recorded 52 pressures over 13 games. Pro Football Focus gave him a pass-rushing grade of 93.1. Even if he is just stashed as a practice squad guy, Minnesota should keep an eye on the young defensive lineman.
Keep in mind as well, the Vikings can save around $2 million against their salary cap if they opt to cut Ross Blacklock and Jonathan Bullard.
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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.
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