Welcome to the beginning of our 2023 season preview content!
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at each player on the roster in-depth with backgrounds and how they currently project forward on the Minnesota Vikings roster.
What is the best-case scenario? What is the worst-case scenario? What should we expect from them during the preseason and beyond? We will break all of that down here.
As a staff, all of us at Vikings Wire ranked the entire 90-man roster 1-90 and will be releasing player profiles in reverse order.
Background
Name: James Lynch
Rank: 43
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 295 lbs
Experience: 4th year
College: Baylor
Stats (In NFL): 37 games, 3 starts, 53 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 fumble recovery
Votes:
Tyler Forness: 42
Kevin Fielder: 43
Judd Zulgad: 42
Saivion Mixson: 43
Average: 42.50
Best case scenario
Lynch enters the 2023 season as the longest-tenured Vikings defensive lineman. He succeeds mostly on effort and strength, as his play isn’t rooted in athleticism. Where he looks to be successful in this defense with Brian Flores is by holding point in blitzes and taking advantage of subpar blockers.
Worst case scenario
This defensive line group is a deep one in terms of capable players, but there isn’t a true standout player. Lynch doesn’t have any great skills but rather is a capable player. With the Vikings having upside guys like Jaquelin Roy and Esezi Otomewo, Lynch could get washed out and not make the team.
What to expect in 2023
The defensive line battle is going to be an interesting one. There are a lot of talented players but, as mentioned earlier, nobody is a standout. Lynch has a lot of experience which will help him earn a roster spot. He will have difficulties because his upside isn’t very high compared to the rest of the group.
Previous player profiles
90-Garett Maag
89-Jack Podlesny
88-Zach Ojile
87-NaJee Thompson
86-Thayer Thomas
85-Sam Schluter
84-Jaelyn Williams
83-Jacky Chen
82-Cephus Johnson III
81-C.J. Coldon Jr.
80-Junior Aho
79-Malik Knowles
78-Abraham Beauplan
77-Wilson Huber
76-Lucky Jackson
75-Andre Carter II
74-Curtis Weaver
73-T.J. Smith
72-Alan Ali
71-Josh Sokol
70-Blake Proehl
69-John Reid
68-Trishton Jackson
67-Kalon Barnes
66-Benton Whitley
65-Calvin Avery
64-Theo Jackson
63-William Kwenkeu
62-Sheldon Day
61-Tay Gowan
60-Ross Blacklock
59-Vederian Lowe
58-Jaren Hall
57-Nick Muse
56-Ivan Pace, Jr
55-Jalen Reagor
54-Luiji Vilain
53-Austin Schlottmann
52-Troy Dye
51-Olisaemeka Udoh
50-Nick Mullens
49-Kene Nwangwu
48-DeWayne McBride
47-Jaquelin Roy
46-Jay Ward
45-Brandon Powell
44-Troy Reeder
