Not every NFL draft has a breakout performance right away, but the Minnesota Vikings might be getting one from Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins within just two seasons in the league.
The Vikings have not had the best recent history with their draft picks, so the team needs to be more patient with development. On defense, Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been focused on moving younger players up the depth chart and giving them a chance to play.
There have been some names floated around for potential breakout seasons in 2026, like Levi Drake Rodriguez. But Ingram-Dawkins could be another.
Andrew Van Ginkel backs Minnesota Vikings DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins for a second-year leap
Andrew Van Ginkel knows a thing or two about being a great defender, as he has been a critical piece of the Vikings' defense over the last few seasons. When reporters asked which player fans should watch, Van Ginkel talked up Ingram-Dawkins.
"He's a guy that is going to take a big step forward this year," Ginkel told reporters. "I'm excited to see him play because these first three or four practices, he's made a play every single day. And he's a guy that is another one of those guys that's eager to learn, and he's truly bringing it on a day-to-day basis. I think he's going to be a guy to watch this preseason."
Ingram-Dawkins was a fifth-round pick of the Vikings last season. With Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Jalen Redmond taking the starting reps, Ingram-Dawkins got lost in the shuffle. In 14 games with one start, he racked up 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one sack, and one pass deflection.
Vikings would not think of Ingram-Dawkins as a name that would stand out for a breakout performance in 2026. Van Ginkel believes the limited snaps he took last year helped build his confidence entering training camp.
"That confidence is growing. He knows it's his time. You know, he knows that he needs to step up and, you know, it's his spot. And, you know, he's got a lot to prove. He got in a little bit last year, but never really made those big splash plays, and I think that he's determined to make an impact on this team and to be a star."
The challenge that Ingram-Dawkins has is that he's got some stiff competition ahead of him again. Redmond, Rodriguez, and rookie first-round pick Caleb Banks are all ahead of him. There's a strong chance that Ingram-Dawkins ends up rotating in for Rodriguez, but a lot could depend on Banks and whether he'll be 100% healthy for the start of the 2026 season.
Sure, preseason will show Ingram-Dawkins's abilities, but the fan base wants to see how he does against starters from around the league. If he really does explode onto the scene in the preseason, the Vikings can book a playoff spot every year because this defense will be elite for a long time.
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