3 best rookie performances for the Vikings in the 2022 preseason opener

Ed Ingram – OG

Wyatt Davis is unofficially out of the running to start for the Vikings with Ed Ingram continuing to impress. He has earned some first-team reps in training camp and got to see some action on Sunday. In his first action in the NFL, Ingram looked like a clear candidate to start at right guard after outshining his competition.

He posted the best PFF grade of any rookie offensive lineman in the league last week with an overall grade of 87.3. Ingram scored an 84.4 run block grade and 74.0 pass block grade in his debut while allowing one pressure on 17 pass snaps.

Chris Reed did not match the effort in his battle for the starting job at right guard. As of now, Ed Ingram has the upper hand for that job with two scrimmages remaining before the season kicks off.

The Vikings just need anyone to step up and earn that job rather than taking it by virtue of having to trot someone out there. Ingram, thus far, has done enough to earn some recognition and bring excitement to a position that has haunted the team for years.

If Ed Ingram can limit the mistakes in pass protection and keep Kirk Cousins from getting pressured consistently, he will be a hero for many fans. That is a tall task for a rookie in the NFL but it’s one that he is capable of handling.

After one week of action, Ingram is one of the many young bright spots for the Vikings and we can only hope that persists throughout the season.