PurplePTSD: Finding Hope In The Sophomores

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

K. Joudry

2022-02-06

Somehow, Justin Jefferson was even better as a sophomore. K.J. Osborn rebounded from a dismal rookie year to solidify himself as a legit WR3. Ezra Cleveland settled into LG, providing the team with yet another athletic option up front. D.J. Wonnum was not without fault, though he did lead the team in sacks. Cameron Dantzler was in and out of the lineup, but his play was often strong when he received playing time. James Lynch took (albeit modest) strides as a DT. Troy Dye, Harrison Hand, and Josh Metellus all made an impact on special teams. I say all that to say this: the play from the sophomores suggests we ought to avoid getting too discouraged about the play of the Vikings rookies.

Fans were likely expecting more from the 2021 rookie class. Kellen Mond did essentially nothing as a rookie. When there was very little reason not to play him, the Vikings decided not to play him. Wyatt Davis – whom many expected to snag the starting RG spot, including yours truly – didn’t touch the field. Chazz Surratt and Patrick Jones II saw very, very limited roles.

Add in a first-round pick who struggled to get onto the field early due to injury and it’s easy to see why fans were a little disappointed.

In fairness, Darrisaw did work his way back, playing admirably for the majority of the year. He’s the team’s main breakout candidate in 2022. Moreover, Kene Nwangwu was able to come back from injury to be a tremendous kick returner. In only a handful of chances, Nwangwu picked up two touchdowns. That’s no small feat, and don’t forget that he had several other sizeable gains. He finished the year with a 32.2 kickoff return average. Camryn Bynum also showed tons of promise in the chances he was given.

Plus, there were a lot of injuries. Janarius Robinson and Jaylen Twyman missed the year. Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Darrisaw, and Nwangwu all missed time due to injury. Partner this missed time with the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s easy to see how a young player might struggle to make the NFL transition.

The Vikings sophomores ought to give us hope in this regard.

The team’s best player is Jefferson. He’s a cornerstone the team is building around. Osborn will be the WR3 solution moving forward, a supremely valuable role. He also contributes on special teams. Cleveland looks like he will form an upside pair with Darrisaw along the left side, meaning the Vikings aren’t too far off when it comes to the offensive line. The icing on the cake would be strong improvement from Dantzler. If he solidifies his role as a legit CB2 – and a lot hinges on that tiny if – then the 2020 draft was a success.

This reality means Vikings fans ought to avoid abandoning hope for this past year’s rookies.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.