Sudden and Steady Risers: Vikings Preseason X-Factor Report

Today was a bit more pedestrian with only a solo tackle, but it was for a loss. Richter was solid with 3 tackles and a pass defense with some decent pressure on the quarterbacks. Chambliss was all over the field again and picked up three tackles of his own. Batty is the most intriguing player because he started the game as a defensive tackle for the second game in a row.

Could he be the next multitool player, similar to Josh Mettellus, but from the linebacker/defensive line? He may be the latest experiment in the Brian Flores mad laboratory. He had tremendous pressure and hit Drake Maye on the Patriots’ second drive, which makes him one to keep a close eye on.

Kobe King

With none of the starters playing or the primary backup middle linebacker, Eric Wilson, it gave King a good amount of playing time to show off what he can do. He’s known more as a downhill thumper, and that showed up with 5 tackles.

He also had to cover rookie star in the making TreVeyon Henderson on a wheel route, breaking up the pass and registering a hit on the quarterback. He played solidly, and with the release of Brian Asamoah earlier this week, he basically will be on the team if he doesn’t make any huge mistakes.

Ryan Wright / Oscar Chapman

This is becoming more interesting with each game. Let’s be clear that Wright hasn’t done anything wrong in the preseason. His punts have been solid, high with great hangtime, and on target when he hasn’t had to directional punt.

Chapman has had some decent punts, but nothing phenomenal or had massive hang times. He also hasn’t outkicked his coverage, either, which is good. It’s really hard to say which one is the frontrunner over the other. What was interesting was that Chapman held on to almost all of Reichard’s kicks today.

That was either to give him plenty of opportunities to practice it in game situations, or they were trying him out fully to decide on who should stay or go.

Elijah Williams

Last week, Williams popped up late in the game against the Texans, but it didn’t look like much at the time. I have to admit I missed Brian Baldinger breaking down his tape this week. I guess my algorithms were off. Anyway, he was doing more than we thought, and he was affecting the offense on almost every play.

Thayer Thomas? I’d really like to see what he can do since none of the receivers are thrilling me at this point. Maybe he’s the guy that needs to get more looks similar to Price to find the depth we need at that position.

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I’m a small-town boy with12 years in telecommunications and 13 years in radio but a lifetime as a Vikings … More about Tony Schultz