Free Safeties:
Harrison Smith and Jayron Kearse
While a number of the Vikings’ cornerbacks will be having a battle royale during training camp this year, who Minnesota’s 2018 safeties will be is pretty much already settled. Things like this happen when the Vikings have one of the best in the game like Harrison Smith.
Smith was famously snubbed for the Pro Bowl last season, but “The Hitman” just kept doing his thing. He can do it all, from coverage, to heavy hits, and his five interceptions last year proves that he can make impact plays as well.
Smith does have a tendency to get banged up throughout each season. But when he’s on the field, he’s clearly the heart of the Vikings’ defense.
Behind Smith will be Kearse, who has some versatility and helps out on special teams. With his All-Pro teammate in front of him, there likely won’t be much asked from the Clemson product in 2018.
If needed though, Kearse has the ability to jump in and produce at a satisfying level.