Minnesota Vikings: A look into the future at the safety position
By Luke Parrish
The Minnesota Vikings added three rookie safeties to the mix through the 2020 NFL Draft and undrafted free agent signing period. Which of the young defensive backs will be on the roster for the long term?
Much of the talk around the Vikings this summer has been about the future of the safety position for the Minnesota Vikings. Anthony Harris broke out in a major way in 2019 but has yet to sign a long-term contract to stay in purple. His counterpart, Harrison Smith, will turn 32 at the end of the upcoming season.
With Smith nearing the end of his remarkable career for the Vikings and Harris not under contract beyond 2020, the Vikings have serious questions about the future. The only backup safeties currently on the roster are rookies who will compete for playing time right off the bat.
With quality competition among the young additions, it will be fun to see who emerges as the backup safety and special teams ace for the Vikings. Replacing Jayron Kearse as a versatile defender and special teamer will not be easy, but it is definitely doable.
Sixth-round pick Josh Metellus will be joined by Brian Cole, a seventh-round selection, and Myles Dorn, an undrafted free agent. If the rumors of Harrison Hand moving to safety are true, that adds even more competition to the mix.
Sticking with the first three guys above, who has the best chance to have a future in Minnesota’s secondary?