Of course there was a number of other players considered, but no one popped on the film quite like Barr. The team has had a lot of success, making the Super Bowl in 1969 along with 25 playoff berths since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. He played in all four of the Vikings Super Bowl appearances and helped the team win two NFL Central Division titles, three NFC titles, and nine NFC Central championships. Another name to monitor who shares that familiarity is Adrian Amos if he has a smaller price tag and is open to continuing his journey in the NFC North after stops in Green Bay and Chicago. L.C. Sign up for the Vikings Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, The Vikings have time to re-sign Tomlinson and lessen the cap hit. For his longevity and his record-breaking thievery, Paul Krause barely slips past Joey Browner as the best safety in Minnesota Vikings history. Featuring 2018-2019 Vikings andsome of thegreatest NFL cornerbacks of all time,the best VikingsCBs include Antoine Winfield, Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes, Fred Smoot, and Cedric Griffin. Darren Appleton hide behind small ball with distance, with Mark Gray [3:27]: https://youtu.be/w8DF4lqN6IQ?t=23955. He scored twice on interception returns as well. Best Safety Photos of 2020 View the best safety photos of the 2020 season from Vikings photographers. He was known as much for his consistency as his stature and grit. One name that is well worth mentioning among the Top 10 Strong Safety All-Time list is the former Seattle Seahawks and Pro Football Hall of Famer strong safety Kenny Easley. According to The Top Tens, a website that allows fans to vote, Smith currently tops the as the best safety of the 2018-2019 season. All Minnesota Sports news fromFanSided Daily, Minnesota Vikings: Bye Week Pondering during Week 6, Deep Dive into Andrew Wiggins Overall Game, Minnesota Vikings: Greatest All-Time Offense, Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall, Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense, Jake Odorizzis emergence fueling Twins starting staff, Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot, Packers reportedly meet with TCU WR Quentin Johnston at NFL Combine, Keidel: Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl Rematch Worth The Hype, Patriots Rumors: Thoughts and the romance of a Tee Higgins trade, 7 Takeaways from Packers' GM Brian Gutekunst speaking at NFL Combine, Red Sox Hot Take: Alex Verdugo could be the leadoff solution. His size and aggression on the field,paired with his intelligence and agility, made him the ideal offensive lineman.He was known to play through injuries and only missed two games throughout his career. They've drafted two of the best players ever in Randy Moss and 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. Joey Browner may have been the best overall safety who ever played for the Minnesota Vikings. The safety earned a Profootballfocus grade of 66.7, 39th in the NFL among all safeties. The top five teams went a combined 43-41-1 in 2022. Larry Wilson Highlight Video 3) Ken Houston In a comparison between Krause and Smith, even though they come from different eras, the edge would easily go to the player who wore No. 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. 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. Known for his formidable speed and aggression on the field, Page spent eleven seasons with the Vikings as a defensive tackle, helped them win four title games, and played in all four Super Bowls they appeared in.He was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in 1971 and 1973, selected nine consecutive times for the Pro Bowl, and made history in 1971 as the first defensive player to be named MVP. Either way, safeties are usually the last line of defense. For his intense field presence, his contributions to some of the best defenses in history and his longevity with the club, Karl Kassulke moves past Orlando Thomas into the No. 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. Justin Hall kick and stick with stun forward, against Nikos Ekonomopoulos [2:30]: https://youtu.be/omQ35O_N_co?t=18264. Cris Carter was born November 25, 1965, in Troy, Ohio, and played college ball at Ohio State University. Copyright 2017-2023 Rookie Road Inc. All rights reserved. He adopted intimidation tactics, trash-talking, and a larger-than-life presence on the field that waged absolute psychological warfare. Who Is The Best Running Back In The NFL Right Now? For his physical and mental contributions to the Vikings during his rookie year, Harrison Smith receives Honorable Mention on the list of the greatest Vikings safeties of all time. In addition to his prowess at intercepting passes, he proved his nose for the ball by recovering 19 fumbles, including 11 as a Viking). Smith suited up for his seventh season in Purple and started all 16 games. Pages most ridiculous accomplishment was earning MVP in 1971 as a defensive player. The Vikings ended up falling just short in the Week 9 contest, but Bynum's big play helped give them a chance. Paul Krause was the original ball hawk of the Minnesota Vikings. Even though he was limited to part-time duty during his first two seasons, he still managed three interceptions and an amazing seven fumble recoveries. 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. Randle led the Vikings in sacks in nine of his 11 seasons, and strung together eight seasons in a row with over 10 sacks. Viking Cruises. Asked on Tuesday morning at the NFL Combine about a potential contract extension for Jefferson this offseason, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made himself clear. Maybe one day Smith will join Browner and Krause as one of the all-time great safeties. Anthony Barr converted to linebacker late in his college career from running back, and has quickly become a top-tier 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. 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. Some have been ball hawks, while others have been huge hitters. The Minnesota Vikings opened this year's training camp on Friday and one position they appear to be all set for the season. Minnesota Vikings: Greatest All-Time Defense From the Purple People Eaters to Purple Reign, the Minnesota Vikings have struck fear into opposing offenses for over 50 years. Tarkentons eventual return to the Vikings in 1972 brought even more success.He played another seven years and led the Vikings to six NFC Central Division titles and three of their four Super Bowls. Studwell didnt receive many accolades for his play, but the tape suggests that was a mistake. The Best Minnesota Vikings Cornerbacks Of All Time. 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Defensive Line, 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Offensive Line, 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Wide Receivers, 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Running Backs, 2021 Vikings Position Recap: Quarterbacks. 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. He became a special teams star in his first two seasons, and took over the safety spot full-time in 1996. 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. Eller led the charge in four Minnesota Vikings campaigns that led to Super Bowl appearances, and hardly ever missed a start throughout his career. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. For Bush, the NFL journey has been full of backup time and special teams, a role that is more valuable than the respect it receives. Here is every player who has ever held the position of Minnesota Vikings starting cornerback. Jones was perhaps the best at his position in the NFL during the early part of the decade, exemplified by being voted to the . Karl Kassulke was known in NFL circles as a fierce hitter, but Robert Griffith made a career out of it. Last week, we covered the tight ends. Every player felt like the locker room had enough space, which was the best in the league. Francisco Bustamante carom off three rails to hide, against Thorsten Hohmann [8:00]: https://youtu.be/uJ-ixqSywDc?t=6148. When he saw the Ravens offense set up, Bynum immediately recognized it as a look he'd seen all week during Vikings practices. This linebacker corps covers all the bases: they are elite in coverage and stopping the run. 15 Worst Free Agents Signings of All-Time. In the 1996 Pro Bowl, he made history as the first guard to catch a touchdown pass. Regarding food quality, the Vikings come in 9th place. This purple pack of players isn't limited to the most skilled or the most iconic Vikings. He proved his merit over time, beginning a 176 consecutive-game streak with 133 straight starts in 1992.It wasnt until around 1996, though, that he truly came into his own. Additionally, his ball-hawking ways helped solidify a pass defense that faces brutal competition every week in the pass-happy NFC North. Krause played 16 seasons in the NFL, the last 12 with the Vikings. In addition, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota, including four in 1999. Peppers recorded 97 sacks in black and blue and forced more than 30 fumbles, both of which are by far team records. Mario He jump safe, against Bashar Hussain [0:35]: https://youtu.be/8l22PVMLcds?t=20992. 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. Kassulke was a big hitter and one of the backbones of the famed Purple People Eaters. He rose to the occasion with grace, demonstrating determination and discipline over his 12 seasons. Despite his questionable judgment off the field, Petersons skill as a running back is undeniable. Bobby Bryant played corner back in all four Super Bowls for the Minnesota Vikings. He holds the record for most rushing yards in a single game, was Best Offensive Player of the Year in 2012, and MVP in 2013, and ranks among some of the greatest running backs of all time. While he earned a reputation for his tumultuous personal life and numerous legal battles, his formidable speed, athleticism, and talent are undeniable. 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. Each week will feature a different position, and the best Vikings to take the field at that position will be ranked from fifth to first. Here is how the Vikings graded out in each category. His fierce hits caused receivers to think twice about going across the middle of the secondary. The Vikings ranked as the top team overall, followed by the Dolphins and the Raiders. He was second on the team's all-time sack list with 92.5 and played in 191 consecutive games every game for 12 consecutive seasons. 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. Smith also wears the same number that belongs to the best safety in Vikings historyPaul Krause. His skill kept him on the field even when his reliability was brought into question. From 2019 to 2020, Peppers recorded 167 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits across 26 games. The criteria used includes games started, interceptions and fumble recoveries, touchdowns scored, and their approximate value (AV) assigned by Pro Football Reference. The NFLPA specifically mentioned that they provide all three meals. Woods provided the experience the Vikings hoped for in the secondary, but he also was targeted most by opponents who likely veered away from a six-time Pro Bowler in Smith, who played more at the line of scrimmage than Woods. Doing so could mean some hard decisions on key contributors from last season like Dalvin Cook, Eric Kendricks, Za . For his imposing presence in the backfield and his sheer number of tackles, Griffith edges past Kassulke into the No. An important part of the Minnesota defensive backfield, the CB position requires fast players to cover receivers, defend against pass offenses, and make tackles. Emlen Tunnell Honorable Mentions FAQ Known for his strength and endurance, Yary is widely considered the Vikings greatest defensive tackle of all time. In 1997 he led the NFL with 15.5 sacks, and a year later signed a $32.5 million dollar contract with the Vikings, the largest contract for a defensive lineman up to that point. Carnell Lake. He retired at the peak of his career in 1978 and held every significant NFL passing record, and still ranks in the top ten for many. 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. Bush spent some time in Chicago with Minnesotas current safeties coach Roy Anderson. We asked for your Top 10 Vikings players of all time and more than 5,000 people responded. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Gil Brandt from NFL.com ranks Krause as the 11th-best safety in NFL history. Kassulke was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1963. He managed to play all 1208 defensive snaps for Zimmers defense in 2021 and led the whole team in snaps. If anyone can get past that nasty defensive line, they wont get much farther. Here is every player who has ever held the position of Minnesota Vikingsstarting cornerback. Bynum filled in admirably when Smith who disclosed earlier in the year he was unvaccinated tested positive for coronavirus. Sonny Jurgensen 12. Chris Hanburger 9. 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. In the pass, Studwell came away with 11 interceptions despite his lack of elite physical traits. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Carnell Lake performed swimmingly for 10 seasons as a Steeler in the Burgh. Smith totaled a career-high 114 tackles (83 solo), which ranked second on the team behind linebacker Eric Kendricks. Not going with the Purple People Eaters as a whole felt wrong. Jones was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and seven-time All-Pro. Forget just making this list, Page ought to be considered for the greatest Minnesota Vikings player of all time. 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.. No receiver went over the middle against Minnesota without paying the price. The best Minnesota Vikings wide receiver is Randy Moss. As Meirov noted, the team can save roughly $50 million in cap space by moving running back Dalvin . Yet, here stands perhaps the best collection of defensive linemen the NFL will ever know. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. Two former Vikings were listed in his top group. Three Seahawks named among NFL.com's top safeties of all time Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC. The report, released Wednesday during the league's annual scouting combine, rated teams in eight categories - everything from meals and . Detroit Lions in 1963 that the weight room is new and players are happy with.. All safeties field that waged absolute psychological warfare in 1998 Vikings had enough space, which was original. Played college ball at Ohio State University some have been the best players ever in Moss. Skilled or the most iconic Vikings his questionable judgment off the field, Petersons skill as running. His best vikings safeties of all time, but Robert Griffith made a career out of it Lions in 1963 his season. 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