Minnesota Vikings: Way-too-early 53-man roster projection
By Adam Carlson
Safeties (4)
- Camryn Bynum
- Josh Metellus
- Harrison Smith
- Xavier Woods
Harrison Smith is entering his tenth season in the NFL and continues to be one of the best safeties in the NFL. Head coach Mike Zimmer loves his versatility and the five-time Pro Bowl defensive back should play at a very high level once again.
To start next to him, the Minnesota Vikings signed free agent Xavier Woods. Woods is coming off a disappointing year with the Cowboys, but that entire Dallas defensive unit was hugely disappointing last year, and being surrounded with more talent could see him rejuvenate his career.
Josh Metallus was mostly regulated to special teams in 2021, and he should see that role once again this year. He led the team in special teams snaps with 262 plays where he had nine tackles and two fumble recoveries.
Finally, Minnesota is converting Camryn Bynum from cornerback to safety for his rookie season in the NFL and should be brought along slowly. Being the fourth safety and logging some special teams snaps while learning under a veteran like Harrison Smith should do him well moving forward.