Thoughts on Gilmore Signing, Vikings Preseason & Position Battles, and Hockenson’s Progress
What a difference a week makes in the Vikings’ outlook at cornerback. From doom and gloom thinking about Akayleb Evans in the starting lineup covering Giants first-round rookie WR Malik Nabers to much more confidence after the Vikings signed Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin returned to practice.
Thoughts on Gilmore Signing, Vikings Preseason & Position Battles, and Hockenson’s Progress
Coach Kevin O’Connell was excited to talk about his top three vet corners: the five-time Pro Bowler Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, who is back from a hamstring injury, and Byron Murphy, who was the team’s only relatively quality corner last season and had a nice leaping interception in practice on Monday.
It’s going to be interesting to see who makes the final roster on cutdown day next Tuesday after the Vikings brought in so many vet corners during training camp following the sad death of Khyree Jackson and Mekhi Blackmon’s season-ending ACL tear.
Even before the losses of Jackson and Blackmon, I thought the Vikings needed to use some of their available cap money and sign Gilmore, the best remaining free-agent corner on the market, even as he turns 34 years old next month. He’s coming off a fine season in Dallas with two interceptions, 13 passes defended, and 68 tackles while starting every game.
Gilmore played under Vikings DC Brian Flores when they were both in New England in 2017 and 2018. It was exciting to see him step right in and take some first-team reps in his first Vikings practice on Monday.
The J.J. McCarthy injury was a big downer for the team and the fan base last week. Now the Gilmore signing is a big boost. That’s the roller coaster of life in the NFL.
Thoughts on the preseason win in Cleveland:
After two days of joint practice with the Browns, when the starters got extensive work, all the Vikings starters except Ed Ingram didn’t play in the game, which was expected.
Following J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury, it was encouraging to see backup QBs Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall play well with three TD passes and no turnovers between them. The running game looked good and the defense had three interceptions and three sacks.
Also, a pleasant sign was former first-rounder Lewis Cine’s best game at safety, with 10 tackles, a sack, and a pick. I think Cine was in danger of being traded or released before his excellent performance, which should clinch him a roster spot. And perhaps he can be another chess piece for Flores to utilize in creative ways this season as he does with Josh Metellus.
Overall, I was impressed with how the backups flew around and made plays on defense. It shows that the defense should have better quality depth this season.
Thoughts on the competition in the defensive line, edge rusher/OLB, and WR:
It will be tough for O’Connell and his staff to decide who makes the final roster among those competing in these areas.
Going into the preseason finale at Philly Saturday, the competition is tight in the defensive line where players such as Jonah Williams, James Lynch, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Taki Taimani, and Jaquelin Roy are battling for backup spots behind starters Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, and Jerry Tillery.
The top four edge rushers/OLBs are set with Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, and Pat Jones. Nine-year vet Jihad Ward and second-year man Andre Carter are battling with 2024 undrafted free agents Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy for one or two spots. Special teams ability will play a significant role in these decisions.
As for the wide receivers, Jalen Nailor will be the third WR, and the competition for No. 4 and 5 is between Brandon Powell (who has an edge with his punt return ability), Trishton Jackson, and Trent Sherfield, with Thayer Thomas likely destined for the practice squad. The Vikings could carry six active WRs (especially if Jordan Addison’s ankle injury isn’t healed by opening day, and he could be facing a short suspension for his driving incidents), but if they only go with five, I think Sherfield is the odd man out. Jackson has been more productive in training camp and in the two preseason games (with seven receptions for 139 yards and two TDs).
On T.J. Hockenson:
I watched Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson running well and doing agility drills on a side field this week. He looks close to returning from his ACL injury late last season which will be great news for the offense and QB Sam Darnold. It’s also good news for this position that Robert Tonyan has returned to practice on a limited basis as he is eased back in after dealing with back spasms since July 31.
Around the NFL Observations:
I think one of the most fascinating things to watch in the upcoming NFL season will be the performances of NFL QBs under pressure to have a successful return from season-ending injuries in 2023.
Here’s my ranking of seven such QBs—from the least to the greatest pressure on them:
7. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts, played in 4 games, shoulder.
6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers, 13 games, broken index finger.
5. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons, 8 games, Achilles.
4. Deshaun Watson, 6 games, shoulder.
3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals, 10 games, wrist.
2. Daniel Jones, New York Giants, 7 games, ACL.
1. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets, 1 game, Achilles.
The Jets have six prime-time games, a testament to Rodgers as a marquee player and attention grabber. He’s under the most pressure of these seven QBs to lead the Jets to the playoffs for the first time since 2010, and Jets fans are even hoping he will take the team to their first Super Bowl since 1969.
Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year after the Vikings’ 15-1 season in 1998. He now works for the NFL agent group IFA based in Minneapolis and does other sports consulting and media work along with college/corporate speaking. Follow him and direct message him on Twitter– @jeffdiamondnfl.
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