The Gink: Now Top 100

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) reacts after recovering a fumble against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings swapped out their edge rushers. It resulted in strong production from both Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.

Minnesota Vikings EDGE rusher Andrew Van Ginkel has been named the 88th best player in the NFL’s Top 100 for the upcoming season.

The former switched allegiances with Danielle Hunter, and the latter joined Minnesota from the Miami Dolphins.

Andrew Van Ginkel came to the Vikings with an uncertain level of fanfare. Before the season was even over, he quickly became one of the most heralded members of Kevin O’Connell’s 2024 team.

NFL Top 100 Shines on Andrew Van Ginkel

Last year, Van Ginkel recorded a career-high 11.5 sacks. He also picked off a pair of passes and took both of them to the house. To say he made his mark on both the Minnesota fanbase and the league as a whole would be putting it lightly.

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota linebacker A. Van Ginkel (43) returns an interception for a touchdown during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

There is no longer a chance that he flies under the radar. Van Ginkel was named as the 88th overall player in the NFL on Wednesday. There is still plenty of upward trajectory for the recently turned 30-year-old, and that should scare the opposition.

This season, the Minnesota Vikings need similar output from their edge rushers. If Greenard and Van Ginkel can uphold their level of production, and Dallas Turner can take a second-year leap, they’d be in a great spot. The reality is that the front’s ability to pressure the quarterback should help to alleviate concerns in the secondary.

Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores chats with the media on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, after his team beat the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 23-22 on December 1st. Minnesota hired Flores before the start of the 2023 season to lead the defense.

Van Ginkel signed a contract extension with the Vikings this offseason. They’d love to keep him throughout the final years of his career, and his performance certainly warranted that notion in the first season he wore purple.

The Vikings have had some incredible pass rushers in recent history. Van Ginkel cementing the success of his career in Minnesota would be fun to watch.

Top 100
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) pressures Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) on a throw in the second half at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. © Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

He’s now a fan-favorite and someone the franchise has fully gotten behind.


Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, ... More about Ted Schwerzler