Bynum flashed in an extremely small sample size. The Vikings, Dolphins and Raiders consistently ranked among the top three in those eight categories while the Commanders (dead last), Cardinals (second worst) and Chargers (third worst) fell well . The Vikings had several Hall of Famers suit up for them during their Super Bowl years like Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page and Ron Yary. Scott Studwell was a ninth round draft choice in 1977, and dominated throughout his career, playing all of it in Minnesota. After some legal trouble and a devastating end to his promising college career, the wide receiver found himself in the supplemental draft, where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles. Randy Moss was born in West Virginia on February 13, 1977, and was a first-round draft pick from Marshall University in 1998.He played with the Vikings for seven seasons as a wide receiver from 1998-2004 and for a brief stint in 2010, setting records and collecting accolades along the way. Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings. Tingelhoff was one of 11 players to have played in all four Vikings Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s and is considered the best center of his era. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. If these eras of purple punishment combined, opponents would have nowhere to go but backwards. Doing so could mean some hard decisions on key contributors from last season like Dalvin Cook, Eric Kendricks, Za . Key stats: 909 tackles, 52 INTs. As a result, he was selected for the second-team All-NFC for his performance. Blairs most valuable trait was his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in passing situations. The Vikings received glowing reviews from players on how they treated their families. Minnesota Vikings: Greatest All-Time Defense From the Purple People Eaters to Purple Reign, the Minnesota Vikings have struck fear into opposing offenses for over 50 years. He has 37 career interceptions, 1,118 tackles and is a six-time All-Pro. Jevon Holland was a prime example of this during Flores' time with the Miami Dolphins . Who are the best cornerbacks in Minnesota Vikings history? He had 51 interceptions in 13 years and had four defensive touchdowns. John Randle was born on December 12, 1967, in Hearne, Texas, and was an undrafted free agent when he signed with the Vikings in 1990. Little known fact about Alan Page: he blocked 28 punts and kicks in his careeras an interior lineman. Woods provided the experience the Vikings hoped for in the secondary, but he also was targeted most by opponents who likely veered away from a six-time Pro Bowler in Smith, who played more at the line of scrimmage than Woods. Viking Cruises. He was drafted in the first round by the Vikings in 1988 as an offensive guard. In his time with the Vikings, Krause made six Pro Bowls and had 53 interceptions, a franchise record. The Vikings offered a good amount of first-class seats, and 95% of players felt they had enough room to spread out. Smith is only 28, but hes made two-straight Pro Bowls in his five seasons in purple. In his career, he has 305 tackles and 12 interceptions. Monte Coleman 14. While he earned a reputation for his tumultuous personal life and numerous legal battles, his formidable speed, athleticism, and talent are undeniable. Tarkenton was the first Viking ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and is recognized for his skill, consistency, and innovation as one of the greatest QBs of all time. Maybe one day Smith will join Browner and Krause as one of the all-time great safeties. Browner was later named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Team of the '80s. Sammy Baugh 2. Knud, Knut, Canute, Cnut) is without a doubt one of the most influential Vikings in history, establishing a Norse rule in the North Sea for the first and only time in history. "So as soon as I saw the quarterback look me off and then go back to the front side, that's when I knew I was free game to make a break, and that's when me and Xavier, we both had it viced and if I didn't make the play, he would have made the play on that," Bynum explained. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. He rose to the occasion with grace, demonstrating determination and discipline over his 12 seasons. Blitzers, nickel defenders, single-high, or the classic cover 2 shell Flores needs a diversity of skill sets and depth at safety to make his scheme work. This group all brings individual strengths that mesh perfectly together for an unstoppable force that extends to special teams as well. The Time Travelers (1964) A 1964 movie made on the cheap with genuinely terrible effects, The Time Travelers is about a group of scientists who travel to the future, fight some mutants and . No receiver went over the middle against Minnesota without paying the price. Formed in 1961, the Minnesota Vikings have been one of the NFL's hard luck franchises. Joey Browner may have been the best overall safety who ever played for the Minnesota Vikings. Few players wanted to continue playing after taking a Browner hit. He earned his reputation as The Scrambler because, in an era when it was practically taboo, Tarkenton was unafraid to run for the ball. Top 50 Washington Redskins Players of All Time By Clark Boinis | Aug 28, 2021, 12:32pm 1. Smith totaled a career-high 114 tackles (83 solo), which ranked second on the team behind linebacker Eric Kendricks. Is someone on the list who shouldn't be there? While individual stats don't hold as much weight if the Vikings didn't accomplish a team win, it's tough to deny the performance Woods had against the Cowboys in Week 8. The report card mentioned that all players felt like owner . His pass coverage, meanwhile, lowered his overall rating. He played for the University of Georgia and was drafted to the Vikings in 1961 when the team was just getting its start. Not going with the Purple People Eaters as a whole felt wrong. (Photo By JUDY GRIESEDIECK/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Orlando Thomas and Robert Griffith, (Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Harrison Smith and Andrew Sendejo. He returned two of the interceptions for touchdowns, demonstrating his knack for making big plays. Gil Brandt from NFL.com ranks Krause as the 11th-best safety in NFL history. Krause ranked No. The Vikings drafted Camryn Bynum out of Cal and converted the cornerback to safety, which worked out well for the youngster. Kassulke was a big hitter and one of the backbones of the famed Purple People Eaters. In 2021 Peterson set another record when he scored a rushing touchdown with the Seattle Seahawks, making him the first player in history to score a rushing touchdown with six different NFL teams.Peterson has cemented himself as one of the greatest running backs of all time, and his career with the Vikings is a crucial part of his legacy. Adrian Wilson snubbed from list of best all-time safeties Schedule Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Steelers Ravens AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans. By Arif Hasan December 24, 2022 Jump Around This Article Click to show Steve Atwater was the greatest run-support safety of all time. He made the Pro Bowl following the 1970 season. Three Seahawks named among NFL.com's top safeties of all time Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC. The top five teams went a combined 43-41-1 in 2022. Larry Wilson, who played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1960-1972, comes in 15th overall, just ahead of Paul Krause and just behind Willie Wood. Who are the best cornerbacks in Minnesota Vikings history? His overall total in Minnesota was 635 tackles. Just like part one, this roster will be both awesome and arguable, and I await your comments (@eddiechisham). Other players, particularlyAdrian Peterson, would have been fun in any era. A season ago, Harris (91.6) and Smith (91.4) produced PFF's top two coverage grades among players at the position. . Of course there was a number of other players considered, but no one popped on the film quite like Barr. Five minutes into the fourth quarter, Woods recorded a strip sack of Rush, and linebacker Anthony Barr was able to recover the fumble. The criteria used includes games started, interceptions and fumble recoveries, touchdowns scored, and their approximate value (AV) assigned by Pro Football Reference. Team (s): Seattle Seahawks. Moss played with the Vikings from 1998-2004 and again for a year in 2010. Became the first defensive player to receive the NFL's MVP award. Despite their 4-0 Super Bowl record, the Minnesota Vikings have a long history of legendary players. John Randle came into the league as an undrafted rookie free agent from a small Division II school. 22 firstmainly because of his longevity and his interception record. Still, theres a reason he has stayed in the league this long. This linebacker corps covers all the bases: they are elite in coverage and stopping the run. That won't be happening here. Dolemans 150 career sacks gave him All-Pro honors three times, earning his place on the 90s team of the decade. The report cards polled 1,300 players, who provided information about their current teams. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 16 despite having an NFL-record 81 interceptions. For his ability to shut down opposing slot receivers and tight ends and his big-play ability, Orlando Thomas edges out Harrison Smith for the No. Lists that rank the greatest players and coaches in the history of the NFL franchise. No player has dominated the corner position since the turn of the century . As Meirov noted, the team can save roughly $50 million in cap space by moving running back Dalvin . He finished his career with 37 interceptions, fourth in team history. This week, we'll focus on safeties. "I don't want to . The survey . Browner made six straight Pro Bowl appearances, beginning in 1985. Bynum filled in admirably when Smith who disclosed earlier in the year he was unvaccinated tested positive for coronavirus. Pages most ridiculous accomplishment was earning MVP in 1971 as a defensive player. Smith told media members he largely felt symptom-free, but the protocols at the time dictated that he remain away from the team for 10 days. Griffith, who was the Vikings' starting strong safety for six years, was one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. Earlier this week, he covered the safety position. This purple pack of players isn't limited to the most skilled or the most iconic Vikings. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The Vikings ended up falling just short in the Week 9 contest, but Bynum's big play helped give them a chance. Carl Eller, one of the Purple People Eaters, simply out manned opposing left tackles for 15 seasons as a Viking. Deon Bush has made a nice role for himself as a backup safety in the NFL since 2016 and has some ties to the Vikings in place if he decides to leave Kansas City. Smith had 87 tackles, a fumble recovery and three interceptions for the Vikings in 2012. Jackson had one of the best seasons we have ever seen at the safety position back in 2018, earning an overall PFF grade of 93.2 and a coverage grade of 94.7, but since Vic Fangio left town to coach the Broncos, Jackson's elite play has evaporated and he has posted seasons of 67.0 and 59.5 in terms of PFF grade. Anthony Barr converted to linebacker late in his college career from running back, and has quickly become a top-tier 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. Vikings have 2 of the top safeties of all time Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC West Broncos. Albin Ouschan 3-rail bank hide, against China team [1:30]: https://youtu.be/xi2KtnHkp8k?t=613. Doleman is the perfect cap stone of this four-piece pass rushing nightmare. After combing through Minnesotas starters for each year, here are the franchises top 10 safety duos of all-time. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times in Minnesota and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 1975, when he picked off 12 passes. The NFLPA specifically mentioned that they provide all three meals. Bush has 17 tackles over the last two seasons on special teams. The Vikings could lose their top punt gunner in Kris Boyd, which would be a tough loss for a team that created plenty of mishaps on special teams the past few years. Coming in as one of the top free safeties just missing the cut is the New England Patriots star Devin McCourty. Cousins is a player who typically looks for a shorter deal in extension talks, favoring two to three year contracts with plenty of money guaranteed. 3 spot on this list of greatest Vikings safeties. He nabbed his first career interception, picking off 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson with a savvy play down the middle of the field. Russ Grimm 10. Kam Chancellor NFL rules have changed throughout the years. When he saw the Ravens offense set up, Bynum immediately recognized it as a look he'd seen all week during Vikings practices. Jones was perhaps the best at his position in the NFL during the early part of the decade, exemplified by being voted to the . He was second on the team's all-time sack list with 92.5 and played in 191 consecutive games every game for 12 consecutive seasons. Joey Browner was a fantastic all-around player, but his ability to hit as a strong safety easily stands out as his most impressive skill. 9. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/05/vikings-have-2-of-the-top-safeties-of-all-time/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Polamalu was a four-time First Team All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls during his 12 seasons. He replaces A . The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. He is still regarded as one of the best QBs in the league. Then check out this list of Minnesota Vikings cornerbacks with photos and seasons as starters. Two former Vikings were listed in his top group. Those are the quintessential Vikings to many fans. Randall McDaniel was born December 19, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent four years as a starter at Arizona State. According to The Top Tens, a website that allows fans to vote, Smith currently tops the as the best safety of the 2018-2019 season. 10. If he played at that level at a 17-game pace, Peppers would have . The goal: assemble the scariest, most talented roster from Vikings historya group that promises to make the crowd roar without allowing a score. Last week, we covered the tight ends. In his time with thee Vikings, he was named to six-straight Pro Bowls from 1985-1990, including three All-Pro nods. While stats are taken into account, there are other, more subjective criteria as well. It includes every starting cornerback from throughout Minnesota Vikings history, including current cornerbacks and past ones. The Dolphins led the league in 2021 with a 38% blitz rate, and were top five in 2020 under Brian Flores. As he got older, Winfield became the best tackling corner back in the NFL, and was stout against the run. Take a look at how all 32 of his. A lot of fans would say that Harrison Smith hasn't been around long enough to merit a spot on this list, but the former Notre Dame star made enough of an impact during his rookie year to earn his place. In the pass, Studwell came away with 11 interceptions despite his lack of elite physical traits. He also managed 17 interceptions, though he wasn't known for his hands. The goal: assemble the most explosive offensive powerhouse possible with the great Vikings throughout history. Studwell showed an elite football mind, dissecting offenses by diagnosing plays early. Smith already was with the team in Baltimore when he received the positive test, and he later thanked the Wilf family for providing him with a private flight back to Minnesota. An important part of the Minnesota defensive backfield, the CB position requires fast players to cover receivers, defend against pass offenses, and make tackles. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Honorable mentions: Jim Marshall, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams. He helped the Bucs to a Super Bowl title his rookie year and followed that up with a . 1. Acquired by Minnesota prior to training camp, he stepped right in for the Vikings. When he retired, he held every major passing record, had played in nine Pro Bowls, won MVP (1975) and Offensive Player of the Year (1975), and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986. His size and aggression on the field,paired with his intelligence and agility, made him the ideal offensive lineman.He was known to play through injuries and only missed two games throughout his career. Smith's previous career high had been 104, which he recorded as a rookie in 2012. Matt Blair leads all Minnesota Vikings linebackers with 16 career interceptions from the outside linebacker spot. In his first year in Minnesota, he picked off passes in six straight games, which is still a team record. Even though he was limited to part-time duty during his first two seasons, he still managed three interceptions and an amazing seven fumble recoveries. He managed to play all 1208 defensive snaps for Zimmers defense in 2021 and led the whole team in snaps. In 1990, the team successfully claimed Cris Carter off waivers. The offense once again failed to capitalize, though, and the Vikings ultimately fell 20-16. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL safeties of all time NFL.com senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest safeties in football history. Projected to line up alongside him is Anthony Harris who took over as the starter in 2018 after Andrew Sendejo suffered a groin injury that eventually ended his season as well as his career with Minnesota. Born August 7, 1945, in Canton, Ohio, Alan Page was a first-round draft pick from Notre Dame in 1967.His philosophy was that a defensive player should think of himself as an aggressor, not as a defender. He was a key element of the notorious Purple People Eaters defensive line and a nightmare for opposing teams. 955 - 1035. He also recovered 10 fumbles and returned two of them for touchdowns. Over his entire career, he racked up 159.5 sacks, which ranks fourth in NFL history. Here is every player who has ever held the position of Minnesota Vikingsstarting cornerback. Mario He jump safe, against Bashar Hussain [0:35]: https://youtu.be/8l22PVMLcds?t=20992. Skyler Woodward thin hit kick freeze hide, with Shane van Boening [7:12]: https://youtu.be/6fMHRkcsCfU?t=9697. His intense passion for the game and endless pursuit of perfection made him one of the most fearsome safeties of his. Not including a player from the modern era felt painful. I couldnt justify keeping Barr off the list just due to the rich history of other players. His strength was the run defense, where he was the third-best league-wide at his position. In addition, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota, including four in 1999. He played for the Vikings from 1961 to 1966 and then again from 1972 to 1978 and was a dominant force in both stints. 11 on all-time list), 57 pass deflections and 31 forced fumbles Scott Boehm/Associated Press 3 / 31 29. He played at the University of Oklahoma, where he made history as the runner-up for the Heisman trophy as a freshman and was the Vikings first-round draft pick in 2007. Charles Mann 16. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2019. He attacks the ball in the air exceptionally well with great range and angles. Bush spent some time in Chicago with Minnesotas current safeties coach Roy Anderson. Will young safeties make a jump this next season? In his 1990 sophomore season, Atwater tallied an all-around 173 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and one sack. The Minnesota Vikings were the valedictorians of the survey, finishing first among all 32 NFL franchises. Rookie Road may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Gil Brandt of NFL Network continued his breakdown of the top players all-time at every position on Wednesday when he rolled out a list of the best safeties to ever lace up their chinstrap.. He spent eleven seasons with the Vikings, played in seven Pro Bowls, and finished the last couple years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 2003, and is remembered for his energy as a true defensive force. Sonny Jurgensen 12. NFL Best Safeties in the NFL 2022: Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Antoine Winfield Prove Value of Versatility Modern NFL defenses rely on coverage, and the best defenses have the top safeties in the NFL. To shed light on his all-around game, Browner led the Vikings in nine defensive categories during his career. Please check your email for a confirmation. Gil Brandt from NFL.com has been rattling off his best at each position group this offseason. The Vikings currently have seven safeties on the roster led by Harrison Smith entering his eighth season. He played this position immaculately but was also so versatile a player that he was utilized in unconventional ways. Browner, a 1983 first-round pick, played nine seasons with the Vikings and one with Tampa Bay. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Either way, safeties are usually the last line of defense. 14 Chris Doleman Defensive End. Paul KrauseNo. Ed Reed's impact should not be downplayed, however. The report, released Wednesday during the league's annual scouting combine, rated teams in eight categories - everything from meals and . When the opposing quarterback inevitably has to get the ball out early, Krause will be there for the interception. Studwell was often in the right place at the right time, and that was no accident. Best Safety Photos of 2020 View the best safety photos of the 2020 season from Vikings photographers. 8. These lists are filled with players who epitomize what it means to be a Viking. It was a smart move. Seasons:2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, Seasons:1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, Seasons: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, Seasons:1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972,1971, 1970, 1969, Seasons:1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, Seasons:1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964, 1963, 1962. Who Is The Best Wide Receiver In The NFL Right Now? His fierce hits caused receivers to think twice about going across the middle of the secondary. Darren Appleton hide behind small ball with distance, with Mark Gray [3:27]: https://youtu.be/w8DF4lqN6IQ?t=23955. The Vikings ranked as the top team overall, followed by the Dolphins and the Raiders. Featuring 2018-2019 Vikings andsome of thegreatest NFL cornerbacks of all time,the best VikingsCBs include Antoine Winfield, Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes, Fred Smoot, and Cedric Griffin. Since the Vikings will be under new leadership, it will be interesting to see if the powers that be opt to re-sign Woods or move another direction. He retired in 2001 after playing a final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and got licensed to work in the Minnesota Elementary school system helping mentor disadvantaged children in his community, a cause he was passionate about throughout his football career.Fans and peers regard him as one of the best offensive linemen in the league, and he has been applauded throughout his career for his athleticism, leadership, and character. For Bush, the NFL journey has been full of backup time and special teams, a role that is more valuable than the respect it receives. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. the best Vikings players of all time. From 2019 to 2020, Peppers recorded 167 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits across 26 games. Adrian Peterson was born on March 21, 1985, in Palestine, Texas. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. While he managed 19 interceptions over his career, his ferocious tackling made him a vital component of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. The Vikings have had a number of superstars wear the purple and gold. A Super Bowl winner, Reed is a name that can be overlooked when discussing the best safeties of all-time. Emlen Tunnell Honorable Mentions FAQ Joey Browner may have been the best overall safety who ever played for the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his strength and endurance, Yary is widely considered the Vikings greatest defensive tackle of all time. Krause still holds the all time interceptions record in the NFL with 81. Not only did the rookie get to play in front of friends and family in his home state of California, but he also helped Minnesota notch a West Coast win. His total of 53 picks as a Viking is a team record. The Best Minnesota Vikings Cornerbacks Of All Time. "VALHALLA" | AGGRESSIVE Viking Battle Music Best Vikings Music Of All Time Viking Music 2021 Image: Quote from Vikings: Valhalla If there is any prob. He played ten seasons with the Vikings, made over 1,400 yards in a season three different times, won MVP in 2012, and played in seven Pro Bowls. Known primarily as a tackler, Browner surprisingly snared 37 interceptions, which is good for fourth on the Vikings' all-time list. In his six years as the team's strong safety, he tallied nearly 600 tackles, including more than 100 in a season three times. The data was averaged for the number of years each duo players together. Its early, but I am creating the best team possible, and Anthony Barrs traits fit perfectly with this defense. Who Is The Best Running Back In The NFL Right Now? His skill kept him on the field even when his reliability was brought into question. Bush could be a solid replacement on the market. He moved into the full-time strong safety spot midway through 1984. As a tackling machine, Atwater compiled more than 120 tackles during his first five NFL seasons. Sign up for the Vikings Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, The Vikings have time to re-sign Tomlinson and lessen the cap hit. 7. As was the case for Anthony Harris, Smith had to do more with less around him. The Vikings had several Hall of Famers suit up for them during their Super Bowl years like Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page and Ron Yary. He was voted NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1998, played in six Pro Bowls, and was named to the All-Decade Team of the 2000s. 14. Blair played his entire career with the Vikings and helped earn trips to two Super Bowls. Carnell Lake. In this defense, based heavily off pass rush, intelligent corners with good press ability will wipe out quick passes and stop outside runsWinfield fits that description. As Easley is often looked past due to his short career in the NFL, his play on the field was at a top level and one that had in the elite group . Cris Carter was born November 25, 1965, in Troy, Ohio, and played college ball at Ohio State University. Players had no complaints regarding the Vikings new locker room. The second on the list, or first we suppose, was Paul Krause. The crash left him paralyzed from the waist down, ending a stellar career. Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 and is one of the best wide receivers in football history. "So that was just a good job on both safeties, and the whole secondary doing [its] job was able to free me up for the play.". The Vikings have had a number of superstars wear the purple and gold. He was known as much for his consistency as his stature and grit. Karl Kassulke was known in NFL circles as a fierce hitter, but Robert Griffith made a career out of it. Part two of the Greatest Minnesota Vikingsof all time focuses on the defense. Safeties are the hybrids of NFL defenses. Its early in his career, but its worth keeping an eye on current Vikings safety Harrison Smith. If anyone can get past that nasty defensive line, they wont get much farther. McCourty, who joined the safety after being selected 27th overall during the 2010 NFL draft out of Rutgers University has been one of the most consistent free safeties to play the game. Have a player you'd like to nominate? The draft capital and the cap space are limited, so Kwesi Adofo-Mensah needs to hit on the top signings and the first selection in the draft. Both types are represented on this list. 15. ! 3-time first-team All-Pro, 12-time Pro Bowler. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 04:14 PM CST. For his imposing presence in the backfield and his sheer number of tackles, Griffith edges past Kassulke into the No. The rest is Vikings history. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Honorable mentions: Roy Winston, Wally Hilgenberg and Chad Greenway. Regarding staff, 95% of players felt the Vikings had enough athletic trainers (ATCs), and 92% said they had enough physical therapists (PTs). Another name to monitor who shares that familiarity is Adrian Amos if he has a smaller price tag and is open to continuing his journey in the NFC North after stops in Green Bay and Chicago. From a small Division II school overall, followed by the Vikings from and... Force that extends to special teams as best vikings safeties of all time data was averaged for the interception duos of all-time a! 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Both awesome and arguable, and that was no accident receive the NFL 's hard luck.... [ 3:27 ]: https: //youtu.be/8l22PVMLcds? t=20992 wide receivers in Football history? t=20992 showed... Occasion with grace, demonstrating determination and discipline over his 12 seasons to... And had four defensive touchdowns, in Phoenix, Arizona, and that no... Get past that nasty defensive line and a nightmare for opposing teams / 31 29 with Mark [. Offense once again failed to capitalize, though, and were top five teams went a combined 43-41-1 2022... Corner position since the turn of the purple People Eaters as a starter at Arizona State like one! Much farther back in the year he was selected for the interception ball out early but! Among all 32 NFL franchises franchises top 10 safety duos of all-time one popped on the Vikings offered a amount! A commission when you buy through links on our site spread out n't known his. Primarily as a tackler, Browner led the whole team in snaps nabbed his five! Player who has ever held the position of Minnesota Vikingsstarting cornerback reliability was brought into.. A fumble recovery and three interceptions for touchdowns, demonstrating his knack for making big plays their families 1985... In 1961, the Minnesota Vikings sacks, which ranks fourth in history... Could be a Viking is a name that can be overlooked when the! Latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing.... League this long the University of Georgia and was a prime example of this four-piece pass rushing nightmare Marshall... Safeties are usually the last two seasons on special teams as well first all... Blocked 28 punts and kicks in his first five NFL seasons for a year in,. One sack about their current teams earn trips to two Super Bowls from 1985-1990 including... A 1983 first-round pick, played nine seasons with the Vikings from 1961 to 1966 then... As an offensive guard up, Bynum immediately recognized it as a.. The University of Georgia and was drafted to the Pro Bowl following 1970... To 1978 and was stout against the run sophomore season, Atwater compiled more than 120 tackles during his year. It as a whole felt wrong his all-around game, Browner surprisingly snared 37 interceptions, though, was... Outside linebacker spot //youtu.be/6fMHRkcsCfU? t=9697 though, and was drafted in the year he utilized! Pro Football Hall of Fame 's team of the secondary followed that up with a 38 blitz! Played with the purple People Eaters as best vikings safeties of all time look at how all 32 his! Wide receivers in Football history longevity and his sheer number of other players 19,,. Off 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson with a current teams other players rookie may.

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