PurplePTSD: Minnesota's Secondary Has A Low Floor, High Ceiling

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

K. Joudry

Aug 16, 2021

We’ve covered the defensive line and linebackers, so it only makes sense that we move onto Minnesota’s defensive backs. As we’ll discuss, this group has a low floor and high ceiling, so fans can expect anything from lousy to sensational from this group. Of course, what happens with the front seven will largely impact the secondary. Keep in mind, though, that it’s a two-way street. If Minnesota’s defensive backs reach their potential, Zim’s front seven will have a much better opportunity to shine. Everything on defense is interconnected.

The Near Guarantees

First off, let’s establish some of the basic details for the defense so far. I opted for 10 defensive linemen and 5 linebackers. This means that there are 10 spots open on the back end (remember that we went with 25 players on the offense).

At corner, there are at least four locks: Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, Cameron Dantzler, and Mackensie Alexander. At safety, there are only two guarantees: Harrison Smith (who should be getting a sizeable extension) and Xavier Woods.

Peterson, for better or worse, will begin the season as Minnesota’s #1 corner. My rationale is simple: Peterson was brought in on an $8 million deal. The expectation, then, is that Peterson will be Minnesota’s leader among the defensive backs. There’s simply no way they spend that money unless they fully intend to play him. For the Peterson skeptics, the only optimism I can offer is that Xavier Rhodes looked completely done when he left the Vikings for Indianapolis. Indy, though, found a way to use him effectively, and he had a complete comeback to CB1 status as he finished among PFF‘s top-10 corners. Perhaps a new environment with new responsibilities will similarly revitalize Peterson’s career.

The training camp battle between Breeland and Dantzler is going to be fascinating. I’m of the opinion that Breeland will eventually win the starting job. He’s an underrated vet with confidence and physicality. In other words, Breeland is precisely Zim’s kind of corner. Dantzler has a ton of potential. In his rookie year, he was a low-end CB1. That’s a remarkable reality given the fact that he was a third-rounder playing in a lousy defense. I’m not going to be surprised, though, if he takes a step back in his sophomore season. He has already had to battle an injury during the offseason, and Zim will be looking to make his defense more complicated. I fully anticipate that Alexander will be the team’s slot corner. He will specialize in that role and offer us a ton of value.

At safety, we can expect to see Smith and Woods dominating the snaps. Both offer tremendous versatility. Here’s what I previously found: according to PFF, Smith played 85 snaps at d-line, 355 in the box, 132 in the slot, 35 out wide, and 423 at free safety last season. Woods played 349 snaps at free safety, 382 in the box, 171 in the slot, and even 59 along the defensive line. They will both be crucial for the Vikings’ secondary.

The True Competition

Harrison Hand, Kris Boyd, and Tye Smith are all trying to show that they belong in Minnesota’s defensive backs room. Camryn Bynum, Myles Dorn, Josh Metellus, and Luther Kirk are battling for depth sports at safety. It’s going to be fascinating to see who among these players will assert themselves among Minnesota’s defensive backs.

Hand is going to be a good player. On the All Things Covered podcast, Smith offered his praise for Hand. I’ve noted that he has a good chance to assert himself at corner. I’ve also expressed my enthusiasm for Boyd at various points. True, he sometimes gets lost in coverage, but he moves well and is physical. I’ll take those attributes for my CB5 or 6.

At safety, the names to focus in on are Metellus and Bynum. Both are late-round picks by our Vikings. Unfortunately, Metellus missed his entire rookie season due to injury. Prior to being drafted, Metellus had a reputation for being aggressive and physical. Bynum played corner in college, but his limited athleticism necessitates a move to safety. His leadership and intelligence will serve him well in the transition.

Fans should also watch for Dorn, who has been taking some snaps as the S3.

Final Thoughts on Minnesota’s Defensive Backs

As I mentioned before, I think Minnesota’s defensive backs room will have ten players. I’m rolling with 6 corners and 4 safeties. Don’t forget that last year Minnesota began with merely 2 safeties, so there’s some precedent for keeping a modest amount of players here. With that said, my prediction. At corner, the Vikings will keep Peterson, Dantzler, Breeland, Alexander, Hand, and Boyd. At safety, Zim will be keeping Smith, Woods, Bynum, and Dorn.

Disagree or have a different perspective? Don’t be shy. I love hearing people’s opinions.

Skol.

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