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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Tyler Forness

Vikings rookie report: How is the 2022 class doing so far?

The Minnesota Vikings rookie class has been a major cause for discussion over the first few weeks. The main reason? We haven’t seen a lot of this class thus far.

What does this mean? Well, each player either playing or not playing is its own story. Context is the most important thing when discussing the rookie class, especially after only three weeks. The Vikings are 2-1 so it’s hard to fault them for the approach they have taken.

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Let’s take a look at what each rookie has done thus far and why their accomplishments are what they are.

Safety Lewis Cine

Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine (6) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

2 games, 1 defensive snap, 30 special teams snaps

Cine has been the biggest frustration among fans. The first-round pick out of Georgia has not had the best start. He aggravated a knee injury during training camp that caused him to miss week one against the Green Bay Packers. After that, Cine did suit up for the next two games but didn’t get much playing time. He played in one snap against the Philadelphia Eagles and didn’t get one snap against the Detroit Lions this past week with Harrison Smith out of action.

Is this a big deal? Right now, it shouldn’t be. When Cine came into the NFL, he needed time. In the preseason, his reaction time was just a tad too slow. He would have made a couple of really nice plays if he was completely up to speed. It is frustrating that he hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time but it’s not a cause for concern…yet.

Cornerback Andrew Booth Jr.

Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) is defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. (23) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1 game, 2 special teams snaps

Like Cine, Booth Jr. has dealt with injuries. He wasn’t fully healthy until partially into training camp healing from core muscle surgery and once he did get onto the field, showed some real struggles. He was grabby and committed too many penalties. Those instances dropped him to sixth on the depth chart behind fourth-round pick Akayleb Evans and special teams ace Kris Boyd.

Once he did get onto the field, Booth Jr. hurt his quad on his second play and hasn’t suited up since. Long term, Booth Jr. has the skill set to be a top cornerback. His ability to mirror and click-and-close should have Vikings fans excited. He needs some time to develop and with the injuries he’s had, a redshirt season isn’t the worst thing for Booth Jr.

Guard Ed Ingram

Sep 11, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw a pass as guard Ed Ingram (67) blocks against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

3 games, 195 snaps, 56.2 PFF grade

Ingram was arguably the best offensive lineman in the preseason for the Vikings. He was dominating in those three games, moving defensive linemen with ease and being a physical force. He was always looking for work and found it with ease.

In the first few games, Ingram has had struggles. He has been oversetting and leaning a little too much in pass protection. That will correct itself over time as these are common rookie mistakes. The Vikings have found their right guard of the future and he’s already an improvement in pass protection over the likes of Dakota Dozier and Oli Udoh.

Linebacker Brian Asamoah

Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Brian Asamoah (33) reacts after making a stop during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

3 games, 48 special teams snaps

Asamoah was drafted as a project not ready to play this season. His eyes just aren’t at a place where you can trust him in run fits or in pass coverage consistently. Putting him in now could damage his confidence and spark a lot of big plays for the opposing team. His future is bright, especially with how he fits the modern game. Asamoah has an explosive athletic skill set with a quick trigger when he does see things correctly. He should be the starter either next year or in 2024.

Cornerback Akayleb Evans

Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) in action at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

3 games, 27 special teams snaps, 27 defensive snaps, 54.9 PFF grade

Evans was a player that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah identified early on as a player that he wanted. The cornerback from Missouri was really good in both man and zone coverage. He knows how to mirror routes well and stay in the hip pocket of the receiver. His ball skills are lacking and that’s the main reason that he fell to the fourth round. He did earn the top backup cornerback job behind the top three of Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler and Chandon Sullivan. He has a bright future moving forward.

The rest of the bunch

Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) drops the ball during a kick off return against the Las Vegas Raiders during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Ty Chandler, Esezi Otomewo, Vederian Lowe, Nick Muse and Luiji Vilain: 0 games played combined
Jalen Nailor: 3 games, 28 special teams snaps

None of these should be a surprise. The Vikings kept Otomewo, Lowe and Chandler on the 53-man roster because they were all talented developmental projects that wouldn’t have passed through waivers. That is also why those three were kept on the roster. Vilain was also kept due to waivers but also because Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith have had injury issues. Nailor is a developmental player that has only been used in the return game and in kick coverage.

What to think of the rookie class thus far?

Jul 28, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on during training camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

It is way too early to panic on any player in this class. Rookies are meant to impact the team long-term. It’s why tweets like these that lack context can be dangerous.

There is always a why behind each player either playing or not playing. It’s almost never a big deal not seeing a lot of playing time before week four. Once we get into year two or three then we can start to panic and be concerned that these players aren’t working out. Right now, the Vikings are getting meaningful contributions from a starter and not in a position where they have to rush players in before they are ready. This is truly a good position that the Vikings have put themselves in and fans should continue to be positive with the 2022 rookie class.

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