7 bold predictions for the Vikings 2022 training camp

Camryn Bynum and Lewis Cine will both crack the starting lineup

One of the picks that went right in 2021 was Camryn Bynum. The fourth-round pick filled in admirably when Harrison Smith went on the COVID list last November and heading into this season, many thought he would capture the starting job. But the Vikings used their first pick in the draft on Lewis Cine, which created plenty of questions.

Was the new staff not high on Bynum? Was Cine brought in for a safety/linebacker role? Could Bynum be relegated to special teams? What could his role be in 2022?

There are plenty of possibilities, but the most likely is that both will see the field.

When comparing Bynum and Cine, they bring different things to the table. Bynum is a coverage ace that played primarily as a slot corner at Cal. Cine was an in-the-box thumper and freak athlete that was part of a dominant Georgia defense. Both players can get it done in several roles, which plays into Ed Donatell’s plans.

Several years ago, the Vikings had a similar player in Jayron Kearse. Instead of using him in a multifaceted role, he was kept on the bench before exploding with the Dallas Cowboys last season.

This isn’t about digging up the past as much as what the Vikings could do in the future. By using Cine next to Smith and Bynum in the slot, the defense could be much more unpredictable and find new ways to attack the quarterback. A lack of pressure doomed Zimmer’s unit in 2021, but the addition of Cine could open things up in 2022.