The Minnesota Vikings lost 20-13 Friday night to Seattle Seahawks, their first preseason defeat since 2015. But a set of encouraging performances by the team’s rookies was enough to soften the sting.
Last year’s rookie class had very little impact on the season, in part because of an already-solidified core that blockaded the paths of some first-year players, but also because of some flat-out underwhelming performances. No rookie played more than 8 percent of the team’s offensive or defensive snaps last season, and, most notably, first-round pick Laquon Treadwell and second-round pick Mackensie Alexander struggled in their limited opportunities.
It’s unlikely, of course, that all the rookies that stood out in Friday’s game will be granted the same number of reps once the regular season rolls around, but a handful of them showed potential that should hearten the Vikings’ brass about their capability if inserted this season and their outlook for future seasons.
One guy who will get meaningful snaps in the regular season is Dalvin Cook. Cook showed his first real bursts in the running game with seven carries for 40 yards, a 5.7 yard average that far exceeded his 2.6 yard average from the first preseason game. During one sequence, Cook rumbled for 33 yards on three consecutive carries, showing great acceleration and a knack for squeezing through tight spaces.
Rookie receivers Stacy Coley and Rodney Adams had up and down moments, but tight end Bucky Hodges may have splashed most with two straight catches late in the fourth quarter that went for 54 yards and a touchdown catch where he absorbed contact and made a contested grab.
Pat Elflein was solid as a blocker with just one notable lapse in pass protection after getting his first preseason start.
Ben Gedeon got the start at weakside linebacker and was stout against the run.
And perhaps most impressively, defensive end Tashawn Bower and Jaleel Johnson continued their strong preseasons. Bower wreaked havoc against the pass with several overpowering rushes, while Johnson was a force against the run as a three-technique defensive tackle.
It’s entirely possible that the Vikings start three rookies out of the gate after starting none last year. Cook is on track to be the go-to running back, Elflein may very well be the Week 1 center, and Gedeon could replace Chad Greenway as the third linebacker in the base defense.
But in terms of overall contributions, the 2017 rookies could become as meaningful as the heralded 2015 class. In that season T.J. Clemmings played all 16 games at right tackle, Stefon Diggs emerged as the top receiving threat, Eric Kendricks took the starting middle linebacker job early in the season, Danielle Hunter morphed into a third-down pass-rushing monster, Trae Waynes played adequately when called upon, and Edmond Robinson was a good special teamer.
In addition to three possible starters in Week 1, the current Vikings could have Jaleel Johnson backing up Tom Johnson within the defensive tackle rotation if he keeps progressing. Bower has already reached second-team status and may surpass one of last year’s rookies, Stephen Weatherly, as the club’s fourth defensive end. Adams and Coley are candidates to make the 53-man roster, and one of them may win the kick returner job — more than the Vikings could say about last year’s rookie receiver Moritz Bohringer. Finally, Hodges and guard Danny Isidora could also play complimentary roles, which might expand if injuries arise.
General manager Rick Spielman will have some big decisions coming up if the team’s young players continue to shoot up the depth chart. Should Johnson make it through at the expense of Datone Jones? Should Isidora be kept over Jeremiah Sirles? What about Bower over other draft selections like Weatherly or Ifeadi Odenigbo?
This will all work itself out in the next two weeks. Ultimately, for the Vikings, it’s a good problem to have.
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