After cutting several longtime veterans, the Minnesota Vikings are thrusting younger players into more prominent roles. Brian Asamoah is one of those rising young talents. The linebacker out of Oklahoma and third-round draft pick in 2022 played 10 games in 2022, and had nine tackles in a backup role in 2022. Former starting linebacker Eric Kendricks’ departure solidified the terms of his ascension, and Asamoah has ample opportunity in what could be a pivotal year for Minnesota.
Asamoah will be entering his sophomore year as an NFL player under a new defensive system. He will also have a substantially larger role after the Vikings released Kendricks, a longtime defensive stalwart.
Asamoah didn’t see snaps until Week 5, and the Vikings used him sparingly, with only 121 snaps throughout the season. However, he showed promise when Minnesota gave him the most playing time in a Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants. Asamoah had his most impressive game of the season, compiling 21 coverage snaps, a forced fumble, and allowing one completion on two targets.
As a rookie, Asamoah struggled with gap responsibilities. He often overcommitted, leaving himself vulnerable to cutback runs or unexpected blockers. However, Asamoah flashed when he understood his role and played within his responsibility. Asamoah has elite speed, with a 40-yard time in the 93rd percentile of athletes who competed in either combine or pro day drills. He also has incredible explosiveness, with a 97th percentile 10-yard split and broad jump and vertical scores over the 86th percentile in their respective categories.
Asamoah has a chance to shine within new defensive coordinator Brian Flores‘ scheme. Asamoah has every physical tool that the Vikings need to use him as a Swiss Army knife across the field. He has the explosiveness to shoot through gaps and take down running backs and the speed to lock down tight ends and fly past the offensive line to sack opposing quarterbacks.
Asamoah’s only physical defect is his size, measuring 6’0”, 227 lbs. His running mate, Jordan Hicks, also is also similar in stature (6’1”, 237 lbs).
While Asamoah has the potential to be an impressive young player, the Vikings need to find him a partner at his position. Hicks probably isn’t going to be a long-term solution at 31, nor is he a game-altering player who could validate an extended contract. The Vikings will need to look into both the free-agency market and draft for candidates to replace him, as their most roster-able linebacker would either be longtime backup Troy Reeder or UDFA Ivan Pace.
Here are a few suggestions:
Devin White (ILB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Proj. market value via Spotrac: 6y, $109m
Devin White is the most expensive option in the 2024 free agency period, with Spotrac expecting his market value to be around $110 million dollars over the next six years. White is employed via his fifth-year option in Tampa. It remains to be seen as to whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be interested in handing out such a high-level contract while in the middle of rebuilding.
White had a disappointing 45.5 PFF grade in 2022, with pass-rushing being his most productive and highly-regarded category. White compiled 6 sacks, 91 tackles, and a pair of forced fumbles during the 2022 campaign and is looking to experience a bounce-back year in 2023.
Patrick Queen (ILB, Baltimore Ravens)
Proj. market value via Spotrac: 5y, $94m
Patrick Queen would provide an excellent second option, with a similar profile to Brian Asamoah but with more polish and experience. He will likely command less in free agency than White and may prove to be a more viable option with the pending extensions to Justin Jefferson, Christian Darrisaw, and T.J. Hockenson.
Queen had a career-high 70.0 PFF grade in 2022, compiling 7 sacks, 87 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Queen endured a slow start to surge during the midseason, acquiring PFF grades of 85.1, 90.6, and 89.4 in a five-week span.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (ILB, Clemson)
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is currently the most highly regarded inside linebacker in the 2024 NFL draft class as PFF’s No. 12-overall prospect. His athletic profile is impressive, with similar measurements to Brian Asamoah at 6’0”, 225 lbs. Trotter compiled six sacks and 60 tackles in 15 games and could fit as a high draft option in 2023.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson (ILB, Georgia)
Jamon Dumas-Johnson was a prolific linebacker for Georgia in 2022, compiling four sacks and 55 tackles in 15 games while helping lead Georgia to a CFP Championship victory. Dumas-Johnson was solid in coverage, allowing only 8.1 YPR on average. He also proved his ability to be versatile, occasionally lining up as a slot corner for Georgia.
Dumas-Johnson does come with character concerns, having been charged with street racing and reckless driving the night after Georgia’s championship victory. But if he can stay clear, he could prove to be a very promising young player.
Ultimately, the Vikings have great flexibility in determining the future of the linebacking core and have a very promising piece to build around in Brian Asamoah. While the team has time to decide, they must choose how they want to prop Asamoah up to succeed and further rebuild the porous defense fans have suffered through watching for three years.
