Not long ago, Odenigbo was slated to start
In 2019, Northwestern University alumnus Ifeadi Odenigbo registered seven sacks and 18 pressures while playing just one-third of the Vikings defensive snaps. For nearly seven months this past offseason, Odenigbo was scheduled to be Everson Griffen’s replacement and bookend the defensive line opposite Danielle Hunter.
Now, he will line up on the other side of the line in tandem with Yannick Ngakoue, for at least three games. Odenigbo may not have a prolonged resumé like Griffen, but he did indisputably show he is worthy of NFL playing time and probably that of a starter.
Don’t believe it? When Odenigbo was given his opportunity last season, he had more sacks per snap than Aaron Donald, Danielle Hunter, Za’Darius Smith, Joey Bosa, and T.J. Watt.
The documented talent drop-off from Odenigbo to either Hunter, Griffen, Ngakoue may be considerable, but it’s not a scathing difference. Odenigbo showed he could create pressure, take down the opposing quarterback, and even score touchdowns.
Most Vikings loyalists were high on the prospect of Odenigbo this summer. So what caused that to change?