A lot of fans would say that Harrison Smith hasn't been around long enough to merit a spot on this list, but the former Notre Dame star made enough of an impact during his rookie year to earn his place. He played at the University of Oklahoma, where he made history as the runner-up for the Heisman trophy as a freshman and was the Vikings first-round draft pick in 2007. The Vikings received glowing reviews from players on how they treated their families. Will the Vikings' offense be better or worse in 2019? Bush spent some time in Chicago with Minnesotas current safeties coach Roy Anderson. Adrian Peterson was born on March 21, 1985, in Palestine, Texas. Honorable mentions: Roy Winston, Wally Hilgenberg and Chad Greenway. He was eventually cut from the Eagles after failing several drug tests. He was drafted in the first round by the Vikings in 1988 as an offensive guard. The NFLPA specifically mentioned that they provide all three meals. Yes, he has some big-time competition in both Paul Krause and Joey Browner, but the consistency and. The Vikings offered a good amount of first-class seats, and 95% of players felt they had enough room to spread out. Harrison Smith & Anthony Harris, Minnesota Vikings. He was voted AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, selected for six Pro Bowls, and chosen for the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team. According to On3 Sports' Matt Zenitz, the Vikings are hiring Colorado's defensive tackles coach Patrick Hill to be their new assistant defensive line coach. According to the press release, the NFLPAs goals were to highlight positive clubs, identify areas that could use improvement, and highlight best practices and standards.. Safeties are the hybrids of NFL defenses. When he retired, he held every major passing record, had played in nine Pro Bowls, won MVP (1975) and Offensive Player of the Year (1975), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986. 16 despite having an NFL-record 81 interceptions. O'Connell gave a positive update on Cine's recovery process, noting the young safety's clear excitement about the upcoming season. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Dolemans 150 career sacks gave him All-Pro honors three times, earning his place on the 90s team of the decade. Lists that rank the greatest players and coaches in the history of the NFL franchise. Buy Vikings Tickets. Sammy Baugh 2. Hes a hall of famer and widely considered one of the best in the league. Smith suited up for his seventh season in Purple and started all 16 games. Bynum filled in admirably when Smith who disclosed earlier in the year he was unvaccinated tested positive for coronavirus. By the time Randle was finished, he had 114 career sacks, made six straight pro bowls as a starter and made the NFL team of the decade in the 90s. While individual stats don't hold as much weight if the Vikings didn't accomplish a team win, it's tough to deny the performance Woods had against the Cowboys in Week 8. the best Vikings players of all time. Ed Reed's impact should not be downplayed, however. This linebacker corps covers all the bases: they are elite in coverage and stopping the run. A slight edge was given to those duos that played together the longest. He spent eleven seasons with the Vikings, played in seven Pro Bowls, and finished the last couple years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 2003, and is remembered for his energy as a true defensive force. By the time his nine seasons in purple were over, he had racked up some serious statistics. On Halloween night and the prime-time stage, he had a spook-tacular outing against his former team. Jackson had one of the best seasons we have ever seen at the safety position back in 2018, earning an overall PFF grade of 93.2 and a coverage grade of 94.7, but since Vic Fangio left town to coach the Broncos, Jackson's elite play has evaporated and he has posted seasons of 67.0 and 59.5 in terms of PFF grade. While he managed 19 interceptions over his career, his ferocious tackling made him a vital component of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Top 50 Washington Redskins Players of All Time By Clark Boinis | Aug 28, 2021, 12:32pm 1. The Vikings enter March way over the salary cap. John Randle was born on December 12, 1967, in Hearne, Texas, and was an undrafted free agent when he signed with the Vikings in 1990. "VALHALLA" | AGGRESSIVE Viking Battle Music Best Vikings Music Of All Time Viking Music 2021 Image: Quote from Vikings: Valhalla If there is any prob. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. They've drafted two of the best players ever in Randy Moss and 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. On other plays, they need to display elite coverage skills to stop the pass. 9. Krause played 16 seasons in the NFL, the last 12 with the Vikings. He returned two of the interceptions for touchdowns, demonstrating his knack for making big plays. Especially intriguing is Metellus, who received more opportunities this past year, including in the nickel when Mackensie Alexander missed the regular-season finale. The Minnesota Vikings continue to reshape their defensive coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The Vikings currently have seven safeties on the roster led by Harrison Smith entering his eighth season. By Arif Hasan December 24, 2022 Jump Around This Article Click to show Krause was named All-NFL four times, started in four Super Bowls and has a Minnesota Vikings record with 10 interceptions in a year. It's all about being a Viking. He received only a brief suspension during his legal battle and continued to play with the Vikings until 2016 before signing a contract with the New Orleans Saints. Art Monk 5. But nevertheless, it's always less than idea to lose your top safety for back-to-back games. Its early in his career, but its worth keeping an eye on current Vikings safety Harrison Smith. Eller is credited with the most sacks in Viking history, and, despite his 66 247 lb frame, possessed surprising speed and agility. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. Chris Doleman tallied 45 forced fumbles in his career. Alex Pagulayan full-hit follow-the-rail hide, against Skyler Woodward [8:51]: https://youtu.be/ALy6VtA78uw?t=5259. Pro-football-reference.com has provided advanced defensive stats since 2018 that are a decent metric of summarizing cornerbacks' play. Became the first defensive player to receive the NFL's MVP award. Studwell was often in the right place at the right time, and that was no accident. The Washington Commanders have a long way to go. In addition, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota, including four in 1999. . Krause not only tops the Vikings franchise record for career interceptions with 53, but he also owns the NFL record with 81 career picks. Jevon Holland was a prime example of this during Flores' time with the Miami Dolphins . Table of Contents Who are the Best NFL Safeties of All Time? He adopted intimidation tactics, trash-talking, and a larger-than-life presence on the field that waged absolute psychological warfare. The report card explains that the weight room is new and players are happy with it. 98% of the players felt like the Vikings had enough strength coaches. Click on as we power rank the top safeties in Minnesota Vikings history. He never missed a game over the span of his lengthy career and started in a consecutive 240 regular-season games.He took on some of the NFLs best linebackers and was a highly skilled blocker, helping teammates like Fran Tarkenton and Chuck Foreman make their way into the record books. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Lake, who the Steelers drafted out of UCLA with the 34th choice in 1989, was a five-time Pro Bowler, four-time second-team All-Pro and he is a member of the 1990s All . We asked for your Top 10 Vikings players of all time and more than 5,000 people responded. The data was averaged for the number of years each duo players together. When the opposing quarterback inevitably has to get the ball out early, Krause will be there for the interception. Players had no complaints regarding the Vikings new locker room. Carl Eller, one of the Purple People Eaters, simply out manned opposing left tackles for 15 seasons as a Viking. Studwell didnt receive many accolades for his play, but the tape suggests that was a mistake. Tingelhoff passed away in 2021 at the age of 81, and his dedication, skill, leadership, and stellar function as a teammate are his legacy. 25. Harris also finished second at the position in terms of . The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. He was voted NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1998, played in six Pro Bowls, and was named to the All-Decade Team of the 2000s. The Best Minnesota Vikings Cornerbacks Of All Time. The team selected him from Louisiana-Lafayette and plugged him immediately into the defensive rotation. NFL Best Safeties in the NFL 2022: Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Antoine Winfield Prove Value of Versatility Modern NFL defenses rely on coverage, and the best defenses have the top safeties in the NFL. These players are considered some of the best football players of all time. Francisco Bustamante carom off three rails to hide, against Thorsten Hohmann [8:00]: https://youtu.be/uJ-ixqSywDc?t=6148. Sean Taylor 6. Will young safeties make a jump this next season? Browner made quick reads and accelerated downfield quickly. Kassulke was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1963. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onAll Minnesota Sports and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Eric Rowe, (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) Deon Bush. Welcome to the latest in a series of slideshows that power rank the greatestMinnesota Vikingsof all time by position. View the best safety photos from the 2021 season shot by Vikings photographers. It only took Sendejo 10 days to find another job after Minnesota declined the option on his contract as he signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Adrian Wilson snubbed from list of best all-time safeties Schedule Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Steelers Ravens AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans. The Vikings have drafted well over the years. Blair played his entire career with the Vikings and helped earn trips to two Super Bowls. Smith told media members he largely felt symptom-free, but the protocols at the time dictated that he remain away from the team for 10 days. Certain players, such as Mike Morris and Scott Studwell, would have fit perfectly in that era. Top 10 BEST SAFETIES of All Time And How to Shoot Them 56,661 views Dec 16, 2020 1.2K Dislike DrDaveBilliards 240K subscribers Dr. Dave recreates and analyzes the 10 best safeties of all time. The turnover unfortunately didn't result in any points for Minnesota but did stop the Cowboys drive. Carnell Lake performed swimmingly for 10 seasons as a Steeler in the Burgh. Here is how the Vikings graded out in each category. Here is every player who has ever held the position of Minnesota Vikingsstarting cornerback. For his ability to shut down opposing slot receivers and tight ends and his big-play ability, Orlando Thomas edges out Harrison Smith for the No. He isnt just an all-time Vikings player, he is an all-time NFL player. Some have been ball hawks, while others have been huge hitters. For his longevity and his record-breaking thievery, Paul Krause barely slips past Joey Browner as the best safety in Minnesota Vikings history. "Lewis is in a great spot right now, he's well ahead of his . These are the top 15 hardest hitters to ever come through the NFL. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/lists/vikings-rank-1st-in-inaugural-nflpa-team-report-card/, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. This group all brings individual strengths that mesh perfectly together for an unstoppable force that extends to special teams as well. Randy Moss was born in West Virginia on February 13, 1977, and was a first-round draft pick from Marshall University in 1998.He played with the Vikings for seven seasons as a wide receiver from 1998-2004 and for a brief stint in 2010, setting records and collecting accolades along the way. For his imposing presence in the backfield and his sheer number of tackles, Griffith edges past Kassulke into the No. He detailed the play for media members, noting that the defense was in middle-open coverage, so he expected Baltimore to try attacking the middle of the field. Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 and is one of the best wide receivers in football history. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. John Riggins 4. 2023 Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC , All Rights Reserved. In the 1996 Pro Bowl, he made history as the first guard to catch a touchdown pass. Charles Mann 16. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times in Minnesota and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 1975, when he picked off 12 passes. Gil Brandt of NFL Network continued his breakdown of the top players all-time at every position on Wednesday when he rolled out a list of the best safeties to ever lace up their chinstrap.. Few players wanted to continue playing after taking a Browner hit. He managed to play all 1208 defensive snaps for Zimmers defense in 2021 and led the whole team in snaps. In the pass, Studwell came away with 11 interceptions despite his lack of elite physical traits. Seasons:2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, Seasons:1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, Seasons: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, Seasons:1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972,1971, 1970, 1969, Seasons:1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, Seasons:1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964, 1963, 1962. Who Is The Best Wide Receiver In The NFL Right Now? Mario He jump safe, against Bashar Hussain [0:35]: https://youtu.be/8l22PVMLcds?t=20992. Paul KrauseNo. Smith totaled a career-high 114 tackles (83 solo), which ranked second on the team behind linebacker Eric Kendricks. 4 position on the list of greatest Vikings safeties of all time. That won't be happening here. Bryant always excelled in coverage, and his tape shows his incredible knack for reading the eyes of the quarterback, even while matching receivers step for step. Known for his strength and endurance, Yary is widely considered the Vikings greatest defensive tackle of all time. In some circumstances, they need to hit like linebackers to stop the running game. Picking a highest high proved challenging because a number of the safeties' big plays occurred mostly in games Minnesota ultimately lost. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. The second on the list, or first we suppose, was Paul Krause. With 148 career sacks (as an interior linemanI cant stress that enough), four Super Bowl appearances, and four defensive player of the year honors, Page was one of the most impactful players of the era. Dr. Dave recreates and analyzes the 10 best safeties of all time executed by pros other than Efren Reyes.This is part of the \"Most Famous Pool Shots\" series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH9d4KFY28XscHllvlP_rVC1jQjDXZmYDShots Included and Source Video Links:- Intro [0:00]1. The Vikings new Defensive Coordinator, Brian Flores, loves to blitz the passer. He started 12 games that year and went on to play in 131 games for Minnesota, which is sixth most for any defensive back in team history. While stats are taken into account, there are other, more subjective criteria as well. Smith is slowly making his case for being the best safety in Minnesota Vikings history. In his athletic prime, Antoine Winfield was an excellent corner in coverage and had a keen ability to press wide receivers at the line. Blitzers, nickel defenders, single-high, or the classic cover 2 shell Flores needs a diversity of skill sets and depth at safety to make his scheme work. Little known fact about Alan Page: he blocked 28 punts and kicks in his careeras an interior lineman. AncientPages.com - For many years, archaeologists and historians have provided an increasingly informed insight into the dynamic world of the vikings, chipping away at the clichs of a crazed, capricious people preoccupied with beards and bloodshed.One particular approach to understanding viking activity has been to study the encampments they set up along the coasts and rivers of western . https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/05/vikings-have-2-of-the-top-safeties-of-all-time/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 5 spot on the list of greatest safeties in Minnesota Vikings history. He was a first-team All-Pro three times over that span. There's a certain feel to those classic Vikings standing on the sideline at Met Stadium in freezing conditions with steam coming out of their face masks. Skyler Woodward thin hit kick freeze hide, with Shane van Boening [7:12]: https://youtu.be/6fMHRkcsCfU?t=9697. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. Joe Jacoby 13. Paul Krause was the original ball hawk of the Minnesota Vikings. In his first game, he made history as the only NFL quarterback to pass for four touchdowns during their first start and led the Vikings to a legendary win. Scott Studwell was a ninth round draft choice in 1977, and dominated throughout his career, playing all of it in Minnesota. Bynum answered the bell after finding out the morning of the Ravens game that he'd need to make his first NFL start. 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