5 Vikings players who have raised their stock this summer

OLB Patrick Jones II

Patrick Jones hasn’t gotten the limelight of a T.Y. McGill this preseason, but he quietly has had a very good summer and his stock has risen because of it.

Heading into the season, it was a little unclear what Jones’ role would be in the Vikings’ new 3-4 defense. He played with his hand in the dirt a season ago at defensive end and had a big enough body to anchor as a five-technique in the 3-4 alignment.  So there were some questions about where he’d be as he was coming off a rookie season where he racked up just seven tackles in part-time duties.

Ed Donnatell decided to make Jones the backup to Danielle Hunter at outside linebacker and that appears to be a role that will suit him well. Jones has been explosive off the football using his long arms to fend off blockers and get to the quarterback. While he hasn’t racked up the sacks, he has generated a ton of pressure that has collapsed pockets and allowed the Vikings‘ defense to make stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Jones was once seen as a potential bubble player by some heading into the season. He has played so well this Summer that he hasn’t just solidified himself a spot on this team but could be one of the biggest breakout players of the 2022 season.