The Minnesota Vikings have traditionally not been a team that has relied on rookie starters. This goes back to the icy days of Bud Grant. That is when rookies had to “prove themselves” before they earned the right to start for the team.
But some of that tradition continues to this day. For every Harrison Smith, Garrett Bradbury, or Ed Ingram who were immediate starters when they put on the purple jersey. You have quality performers like Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter, Brian O’Neill, and Christian Darrisaw, who had to work their way into the starting lineup.
So, who out of this current crop of Vikings rookies has a chance to start in their first year in the league? Or who among this group could become a starter or a strong rotational player by the season’s end? We’ll spotlight a few of these rookies who have a chance to make an impact this season.
Top Offensive Rookie
Jordan Addison: No list of Vikings rookies would be complete without starting with the team’s 2023 first-round draft choice, Jordan Addison. This talented wideout from USC comes to Minnesota with a ton of talent and an opening in the starting lineup waiting for him. Once the Vikings released veteran receiver Adam Thielen in March, there was ample speculation as to how the team would fill the missing piece of their lineup.
That is where the talented Mr. Addison comes in. There was some surprise in Vikings Nation when they selected a wide receiver in the first round of this year’s draft. Most experts were speculating that the team would draft a cornerback. That was perceived as their biggest position of need at the time. But the Vikings brass deemed Addison too valuable to pass up, so they brought him in to replace Thielen in the lineup.
Addison should pair well with the Vikings’ other two starting receivers, the mercurial Justin Jefferson and the surging K.J. Osborn. This speedy, sure-handed player is sure to turn some heads in his rookie season.
He has been nursing an undisclosed injury, but Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has given assurances that he will be ready to go at the start of training camp. My prediction is that Addison will have a Chris Olave-like rookie campaign with 70 catches, 1,000 yards receiving, and five touchdown receptions.
Rookie Could Be a Difference Maker on Defense
Vikings CB Mekhi Blackmon (11) – Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune
Mekhi Blackmon: This rookie corner from USC was drafted in the third round by the Minnesota Vikings. Jordan Addison’s college teammate, Blackmon, was a rapid climber up the big boards in the days before the draft. This aggressive ball hawker moves well to the ball and is a solid defender against the run. He is a bit undersized but makes up for his lack of height with tremendous leaping ability and raw athleticism.
Some experts are even predicting that Blackmon could be the team’s most important 2023 addition. At minicamp, he was one of the corners working with the first unit, and he more than held his own against the Vikings’ trio of talented receivers. Many experts have listed Blackmon as having the inside track on the starting left cornerback position for Minnesota.
It’s always a challenge being a rookie in the NFL, and the cornerback position might be the most challenging position in the sport. But the Vikings need to fill their gaps at this position, and so far, Blackmon has stepped up to the challenge. He’ll take some bumps to be sure, but I predict when the season ends, the Vikings will be very thankful that they put their faith in Blackmon.
Draft Steal?
Vikings RB DeWayne McBride (37) – Getty Images
DeWayne McBride: Seventh-round draft picks rarely arrive with must fanfare and usually with few expectations. DeWayne McBride is not one of those rookies. Already labeled by some as the “steal of the draft,” many people believe that he will be a key component of the Vikings’ backfield by year’s end. The rookie out of UAB was slowed by hamstring injuries in college that diminished his overall numbers. He is now healthy and ready to go.
This relentless, balanced runner is a load to take down, as he easily bounces off of would-be tacklers. He has great field vision, and his stamina allows him to carry a heavy workload during a long season. He is criticized for his lack of involvement in the passing game and for his questionable blocking skills. These will be challenges the rookie will need to overcome as the season progresses.
The Vikings have a loaded backfield, and the competition will be stiff for playing time. Alexander Mattison is first up, with Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and McBride waiting in the wings. I believe that McBride, with his tenacious running style, will carve out a niche for himself in the running back rotation. I believe his final stats for the season will be in the neighborhood of 600 rushing yards, a 4.0 rushing average, and three rushing touchdowns.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with any of my choices? Or do you believe another Vikings rookie or two will turn out to be the stars of the class? Perhaps LSU defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy delivers the interior pressure that the team lacked last season. Or how about a dark-horse candidate like undrafted free agent linebacker Ivan Pace out of Miami (OH)? Let’s hope they all become key contributors in 2023, and help lead the Vikings to another division title.
