5 Vikings who could have breakout seasons in 2023
Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah kicked his "competitive rebuild" into full gear this offseason which spelled the end for several veterans. While Adam Thielen, Eric Kendricks, Patrick Peterson and Dalvin Cook will be missed, it creates opportunity for several newcomers and others to step up.
If the Vikings are going to succeed next season, they'll need some players to become household names. Here, we'll take a look at five players who could make the leap and become standouts in 2023-24.
Ty Chandler
While the Vikings made changes throughout the roster, the biggest change may have come at running back. Dalvin Cook is one of two running backs in franchise history (Adrian Peterson) to rush for 1,100 yards in four straight seasons but Kevin O'Connell's desire for a more efficient running game has the Vikings looking for a new lead back.
Alexander Mattison will begin the season as the starter but it's possible that Ty Chandler could wind up with a complementary role.
Chandler jumped on the radar last preseason but his rookie campaign was derailed due to a broken hand. After getting just six carries for 20 yards, Chandler should have a role thanks to his ability in the passing game which helped him catch 73 passes for 681 yards during his college career.
Every carry from #Vikings RB Ty Chandler's rookie preseason (15 carries, 113 yards, 7.5 YPC, 1 TD).
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 30, 2022
70 of his yards came after contact. Small sample size, but the elusiveness and vision are exciting. pic.twitter.com/ho9MezmRzi
He'll have to hold off Kene Nwangwu and seventh-round pick DeWayne McBride, but Chandler's explosiveness could yield more playing time a chance to shine in 2023.
Byron Murphy
The Vikings lost Patrick Peterson in free agency and replaced him with another former Cardinal in Murphy. A second-round pick by Arizona in 2019, Murphy has just one interception in four seasons but he's a perfect fit for what new defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants to do on defense.
Murphy is a physical corner whose strength is playing in press-man coverage. While Murphy has allowed a passer rating of over 100 in man coverage each of the past three seasons, he's also versatile with the ability to play on the outside or in the slot.
Byron Murphy is only listed at 5’11 190lbs
— Matt Anderson (@MattAnderson_8) March 15, 2023
But if you want proof he plays bigger than his size. Here he is vs Seahawks WR, DK Metcalf who is 6’4 235lbs
Gets physical with him, and disrupts the pass! pic.twitter.com/WfYjdnAcEK
The Vikings' secondary needs a young player such as Andrew Booth Jr., Akayleb Evans or third-round pick Mekhi Blackmon to step up. But Murphy's presence should give the Vikings at least one reliable corner and it could make a big difference on defense this season.
K.J. Osborn
The release of Thielen leaves a lot of opportunity at wide receiver and Osborn could be the one who takes advantage.
Osborn has been a solid third option for the Vikings, collecting over 600 yards in each of the past two seasons. While he has flashed at times – such as his 10-catch, 157-yard performance in the Vikings' Week 15 comeback against the Indianapolis Colts – he hasn't been able to make the jump to become a full-time player.
We freaking like that.@KirkCousins8 @KJ_Osborn
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 25, 2022
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/Ca0DGAgQdP
The Vikings drafted Jordan Addison to eventually take over the No. 2 role in the offense but Osborn may have a leg up thanks to his experience. If Osborn can find a way to hold onto the job, he may fulfill a prophecy from Thielen, who believes Osborn could someday become a No. 1 receiver.
Josh Metellus
Metellus has carved out a niche on special teams but this could be the season where he makes his impact on defense.
We already discussed how much Flores loves versatile defensive backs and Metellus's multi-faceted game was on full display during minicamp, lining up as a safety, a nickel corner and a pass-rusher.
Vikings in a 3-up, 4 under look on 3rd & 13 in dime personnel swapping LB Jordan Hicks for S Josh Metellus. Not sure what they'd call this but neat way to get more speed/range on the field in a long distance situation: pic.twitter.com/6o5rUZS3ns
— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) December 7, 2022
The safety position will be interesting heading into next season as Harrison Smith and Cam Bynum are expected to be starters. Lewis Cine will also return after a season-ending leg injury, but he's been working with the second team which could open the door for Metellus to become a jack-of-all-trades in the secondary.
Ed Ingram
Don't laugh. Ingram's rookie season could be considered a disaster as he led all offensive linemen with 63 quarterback pressures allowed. But there were some positives in Ingram's game that could lead to a breakout in 2023.
Ingram struggled in pass protection but he was effective in the running game, posting a 64.2 run-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He also improved in pass protection as the season went along, allowing 15 pressures over the Vikings' final seven games.
A bunch of Ed Ingram snaps vs. the Patriots, starting with his only pressure allowed during the game pic.twitter.com/Xr4aYeVgJM
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) December 3, 2022
Ingram will have to improve on some of the finer details, but there's a foundation for him to be a successful guard. If he takes another jump in run blocking and improves as a pass blocker, Ingram could be the player that finally answers the "Can he play guard?" question that has haunted Minnesota for years.
