5 Minnesota Vikings rookies who could surprise in 2022

Esezi Otomewo – DE

With the Minnesota Vikings moving to a 3-4 defensive base, the more versatile options they have across the front seven, the better their chances will be.

That’s why it came as no surprise to see the organization add to its pass-rushing weapons in the form of Esezi Otomewo. The physical specimen will be no stranger to most Vikings fans having played his college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he performed encouragingly more often than not en route to 81 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 13.5 tackles for loss over four seasons.

Considering how imposing Otomewo can be when in the mood, it’s bemusing that he wasn’t able to take over games in a more dominant fashion consistently. The Vikings made a calculated gamble bringing the edge defender to the franchise at No. 165 overall and are clearly betting on the lineman putting it all together under professional coaches.

Minnesota had the luxury of taking some risks lower down the pecking order. Otomewo is clearly a player with high athletic attributes that the Vikings love and learning from two accomplished figures such as Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith should also assist his development.

It will be a scary sight once Otomewo discovers how to maximize everything at his disposal. Something that might even see the player surprise a few as his rookie season goes on.