Which Minnesota Vikings role player can thrive under the new regime during the 2022 season?
A fresh start is beginning for the Minnesota Vikings under a young, progressive leadership team. Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman’s time with the organization ended almost as soon as the 2021 campaign concluded, leaving Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as the men tasked with getting a talented roster back into genuine postseason contention.
Considering how things looked financially for the Vikings before free agency, this offseason can be classed as successful. Putting it all together on the field will be more important, obviously, but there is a vibrant feel to the set-up right now that can hopefully ensure progress throughout the upcoming season.
There are some players in Minnesota that will be counted upon more than most. However, if O’Connell wants to hit the ground running in Year 1, then the entire roster from top to bottom must make a lasting contribution.
With this in mind, here are five Vikings role players who could thrive under the new regime in 2022.
Role Player No. 1
Wyatt Davis – OL
There was a quiet sense of intrigue about what Wyatt Davis could bring to the Vikings as a rookie. The interior offensive lineman enjoyed a tremendous college career at Ohio State, but the adjustment to a professional environment didn’t go as anybody anticipated.
Davis was active six times and failed to register a single snap on offense. Others are preferred on the depth chart this time around, but working with different coaches could enable the player to progress significantly in the coming months.
Whether this comes with increased time on the field is debatable. But it won’t hurt Davis’ chances in the slightest.