Vikings Territory: Per PFF, Unsung Rookie Leads Vikings Preseason Grading

Press release from Vikings Territory:

Dustin Baker Dustin Baker

2021-09-05

The top preseason performer among all Minnesota Vikings rookies was running back A.J. Rose.

During the draft process, the Vikings gained national respect for their draft haul after general manager Rick Spielman finagled a trade with the New York Jets that landed Christian Darrisaw, Kellen Mond, and Wyatt Davis.  All three names were notable ones amid the pre-draft cycle. Here’s the rest of Minnesota’s 2021 draft haul:

Rose registered a preseason grade from Pro Football Focus of 75.9, a commendable feat for a man seizing his opportunity. For his handiwork, Rose was awarded membership on Minnesota’s 2021 practice squad. Other tailbacks — Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, and Kene Nwangwu — grabbed roster spots on the 53-man depth chart.

There will not be a robust role for Rose inside the Vikings 2021 offense. Head coach Mike Zimmer showcases a run-first offense led by the aforementioned Cook who, when healthy, receives close to the most touches in the NFL in a given season. Only Derrick Henry from the Tennessee Titans consistently touches the football more than Cook. Then, a 3rd-Round draft pick was spent in 2019 on Alexander Mattison, a player who has looked rather impressive in reservist duty for Cook. If that’s not enough, the Vikings drafted speed demon Nene Nwangwu in 2021, and he will snag the few non-Cook and non-Mattison carries that are implemented in 2021.

On the other side of the coin for PFF, tight end Zach Davison notched the worst score among all Vikings 2021 rookies with a 40.5

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