The Minnesota Vikings added a lot of defensive talent this offseason, but Brian Flores is equally excited about the returning players as the newcomers.
The Vikings’ defensive coordinator spoke with the media from minicamp on Tuesday, and naturally, the first question was about the two new faces on the defensive line: Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Flores praised the team’s young players before shifting his focus to them.
“Those are two great additions, excited to have both guys,” indicated Flores. “But I’m also happy about people like Jalen Redmond, who came on over the year. He just improved day after day, week after week. Levi [Drake Rodriguez] has, I believe, grown tremendously from year one to year two. “Bigger, stronger, faster, and more confident.”
“We got a lot of guys who have played, there’s a good amount of depth in that room,” according to Flores. “We’re excited about all the pieces, and as coaches, it’s about who fits where and how do we get the most out of each individual player and the collective unit.”
Pass rusher Dallas Turner is another returning player for whom Flores clearly has high hopes. Turner, a first-round choice last year, showed promise in his rookie season but ultimately played a supporting role to Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, both of whom had outstanding first seasons in Minnesota.
“Everything is going well for him. Flores stated, “I definitely see some, if not a lot, of growth from his perspective and am excited to see where this goes.” “I think any time you’re behind — or with, I shouldn’t even say behind, because in that room I really see it as three starters, so you’re with two guys who receive all the accolades and obviously are good players who’ve been in the league, have made a lot of plays, are significant contributors to the team, the best thing you can do — and I think Dallas did this — is just soak up that information.”
However, not all of the skill is up front. The Vikings’ secondary will include new faces, guys taking on expanded roles, and exciting prospects returning from injury. One of those fresh faces is Isaiah Rodgers, whom Flores and head coach Kevin O’Connell have praised.
“I’ve always thought he was a good player and was ascending, and when the opportunity presented itself that we could maybe acquire him, I was all in,” Flores told the press. “And I’m glad we acquired him; he’s been an excellent addition. He has a high football IQ and insight.
Rodgers will most likely play the most minutes of his career this season due to the Vikings’ limited cornerback depth. Behind standout Byron Murphy Jr., the room includes a few of players with questionable futures, including Mekhi Blackman. Blackmon showed promise as a rookie, but a torn ACL forced him to miss the whole sophomore season.
“As a rookie, you witnessed the agility, speed, and savvy. “I believe he should build on that,” Flores added. “It was terrible that he went down last year, since we were looking forward to seeing him play a lot. The manner he rehabbed was amazing, honestly.”
Flores also mentioned Theo Jackson, a safety who has been buried on the depth chart but has a new contract and will see his role expand this season when Cam Bynum leaves in free agency.
“Theo’s been great, and that’s something we’ve been saying for two years,” Flores joked. “I believe he has constantly improved his communication skills, methods, fundamentals, disguises, and playmaking abilities. “He’s one of our hardest workers.”
Last season, the Vikings’ defense allowed the fifth most scores and tied for first in turnovers. While it will be difficult to match such numbers this season, Flores has all of the components in place to produce a formidable team on that side of the ball once more.
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