For a little while, there’s been speculation aplenty about adding a sturdier EDGE3 in Minnesota. All of the online ink on that Vikings rumor hasn’t led to a deal getting done.
Consider, for instance, the opinion offered by Jeff Diamond. Writing for Vikings Territory, the team’s former GM insisted that Minnesota is an edge rusher short: “Unless Golday quickly emerges as a solid edge rusher (as indicated on draft day) in addition to his ability to play inside ‘backer, we’ll have to continue to harp on the ill-advised decision to trade Jonathan Greenard, an elite edge rusher when healthy unless a vet free agent of renown is brought aboard.”
More thoughts from Mr. Diamond: “they have to be concerned about who will be in the rotation to give Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner a break since rushing the passer is one of the most physically demanding jobs in football. And I’ve always believed pass rushers are the second most important position in the NFL after quarterback (I go back to something Bud Grant often said—’give me a great quarterback and a fourth-quarter pass rush’).”
Diamond’s perspective is shared by many. Do the Vikings agree?
Top Vikings Rumor — Adding an Edge Rusher — Put to Test Soon
Somewhat ironically, the Vikings’ third and fourth edge rushers may not be edge rushers at all. Filling those openings may come down to pushing a linebacker forward and by kicking a defensive lineman outward.
Eric Wilson, in particular, looks like a decent option. He’s coming off a breakout season. Mr. Wilson thrived under the tutelage of DC Brian Flores (both player and coach appear to enjoy working together). The former undrafted talent tossed 6.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 17 tackles for loss onto the stat sheet. Better yet, Wilson boasted an eye-popping 4 forced fumbles.
Much of the damage got done within his job as an edge rusher, where he had 336 snaps (PFF).
Next up would appear to be Ty Ingram-Dawkins, the sophomore defensive lineman.
Much of what’s appealing about Ingram-Dawkins is that he’s capable of doing a bit of everything. He’s long, he’s fast, and he’s strong. Maybe he’s not totally elite at a single thing, but the well-roundedness of his game makes him an intriguing piece of the puzzle for Coach Flores.
The danger here rests in mirroring the careers of James Lynch, Jalyn Holmes, Esezi Otomewo, and others of recent Vikings history. Essentially, capable of being moved around but never settling into a clear job.
Dangers aside, Ingram-Dawkins appears ready to earn more snaps as an edge rusher. He looks visibly leaner, hinting at being asked to kick outside a touch more as a sophomore. Ideally, his long arms and explosiveness will lead to playing sturdy snaps at edge rusher. Quite possibly, that’s as a run stuffer due to being larger than most along the edge, but that’s speculative.
But then there’s the issue that still stands behind the Vikings rumor: is that going to be enough? Do the Vikings get enough from this cluster of talent?
Sitting on north of $13 million in space — with options to add plenty more — the Vikings could opt to pickup an assassin-for-hire to reinforce the pass rusher’s department. On Bleacher Report, there’s a listing of the best remaining free agents. Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller, and Kyle Van Noy are among the players. Clowney, in particular, looks like a nice fit since he’s a 3-4 edge rusher coming off a productive year.
At training camp, the Vikings are going to get a much better understanding of where the roster is strong and less than strong. Accordingly, GM Nolan Teasley will be able to make decisions about a needed add to shore up a weakness (if that issue arises).
Minnesota wants to live in a world where everybody remains healthy as several options beyond Andrew Van Ginkel & Dallas Turner appear prepared to shine. However, the inverse could occur. Maybe an injury happens (hopefully not). Or maybe one of the planned options to fill the EDGE3 or EDGE4 snaps underperforms. Teasley could then be a touch more open to offering a decent deal to a free agent.
Training camp and the preseason offer clarity. As a result, the Vikings will soon be able to glean valuable insight to fully address a longstanding rumor about needing to add an edge rusher.
The Vikings begin reporting to training camp on Sunday.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
