5 Vikings Opposing Players to Watch: Preseason Week 1 vs. Saints

Marcus Sherels – CB/PR

I think I hear some Cinderella playing because Marcus Sherels was kind of the don’t know what you got until it’s gone kind of player for the Vikings. He was always on the roster bubble, but every year he defied the odds and ended up on the squad.

The reason he made the team year in and year out wasn’t because of his coverage skills. It was solely because he was an excellent punt returner and overall great special teams player.

Sherels wasn’t the fastest guy, but he had great lateral quickness and agility. He could wiggle his way to make what looked like a loss on a return into a seven to 10 yard gain. He continuously put the offense in good field position and occasionally he would bust off a huge return when the team needed it the most.

Minnesota fans were very upset when he signed with the Saints this year, but at the same time wished him well. Now he’s gone and the Vikings have tried just about everyone on the roster sans the big boys to return punts.

Sherels should make New Orleans’ roster this season based on his ability on special teams, but Minnesota could see him taking quite a few snaps at cornerback in the middle portion of this Friday’s game. He is currently listed third on the depth chart at left corner for the Saints and he likely needs to play well to guarantee his spot.

Sherels is also listed as New Orleans’ backup punt returner to Alvin Kamara and he should field most, if not all the punts during the game as the Saints are unlikely to put their star running back in that situation during a meaningless preseason matchup.

Vikings fans will look on with envy and enjoy watching Sherels return punts one more time, even if it is for the competition.