By: Jake Rajala

The Kevin O’Connell-led Minnesota Vikings squad recently released its first depth chart ahead of their pre-season contest against the Las Vegas Raiders. With that stated, I’m going to simply untwine five takeaways from the Vikings depth chart.

Ed Ingram

The rookie Ed Ingram is technically listed as a backup to Jessee Davis at RG. However, it needs to be noted that Ed Ingram had first-team reps over Davis at their spot yesterday. I believe it’s a great sign that Ingram is on pace to start in Week 1 over the veteran guard that allowed eight sacks last season.

Armon Watts

The Vikings DL Armon Watts is unequivocally one of the unsung defenders on the Viks. After Watts had his best season in 2021 (five sacks, 10 QB hits, 46 combined tackles), he is set to start next to Dalvin Tomlinson on the IDL moving forward. Nonetheless, there have been murmurs of Suh landing with the team in the Twin Cities – which would hurt Watt’s playing time.

Jordan Hicks

It isn’t a surprise that the new, versatile LB Jordan Hicks is a starter across from Eric Kendricks, but it should be regarded that Hicks and Erick Kendricks appear to be a seriously potent LB duo this off-season. Hicks garnered 116 combined tackles and four sacks with the Cardinals a season ago.

Cameron Bynum

The 24-year-old Cameron Bynum had his first start in November of last season and had flashes of talent throughout 2021. He collected one interception, three pass deflections, 28 combined tackles, and one sack last season. Bynum is dubbed as a starting safety at this point and I feel the safety that recently had an int against Kirk Cousins should start across from Harrison Smith in Week 1.

Andrew Booth Jr.

It’s expected that the young Cameron Bynum starts for the Vikings secondary soon, but it appears that the Vikings are being patient with the 2022 second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. He is currently pegged as a backup. It will be vital that Booth Jr. can climb the ladder and really help the Vikings in their likely (in my opinion) playoff battles.

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By: Jake Rajala

It’s a week before the NFL playoffs which means Giants nation ought to be served with an NFC East rivalry showdown for supper and a mock draft for desert. It surely will be an interesting offseason with Joe Judge staying in town and Daniel Jones getting the reigns for a likely make or break year in 2022. As the offseason soon gets underway, the focus is on taking a large step with the squad. At large, the focus will be on the NFL draft. So, which direction could NYG elect to go in with their pivotal 2022 draft? Well, here is a three-round mock draft for the optimistic, NFC, Big Apple squad. 

*note – the Giants hold two first-round picks

1. Derek Stingley Jr – LSU – CB 

The Big Blue could make some noise with the selection of Derek Stingley. The LSU DB has drawn high praise, despite having more robust stats in his freshman year. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com compared Stingley to Saints Pro Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore. He’s quite similar to former LSU CB Patrick Peterson, as well. Stingley is a physical beast at 6’1 195 as he can press receivers well and step up to play the run when needed.

A talent like Stingley Jr. noticeably helps players around him elevate their game. If the Giants can score a lot of points against defenses like New Orleans, they need their own secondary to match the ascending offensive attack.

1. Kyle Hamilton – Notre Dame – S

I would very much love to see the Giants make these first two selections. With the combination of Stingley Jr and Hamilton, they don’t only make two amazing picks with high floors and high ceiling, but they are striving to make a decade-like talent position group with their secondary. We’ve seen the magic of the Legion of Boom and now it might just be New York’s turn to unfold their own gifted secondary.

It may be wise to acquire a veteran OL in free agency, then strike gold with these two defensive backs early in the 2022 draft. 

2. Ed Ingram – OG – LSU 

The Giants could get an interior OL with a load of potential in Ed Ingram (not Evan Engram). Ed is a fluid OL, plus he packs a punch at 6’4 330 pounds. The 2021 second-team all-SEC would bring much-needed help to Saquon Barkley’s game. He’s also a proven winner and the ultimate competitor.

Whether or not the Giants seek out OL help in free agency, they could find a long-term fit in Ingram. It’s been made clear that Joe Judge wants to build the OL around Andrew Thomas and the issues lie in between Thomas and Nate Solder notably. The Giants will need to go OL in the first two rounds and Ingram would really be a nice value pick here.

3. Kenneth Walker – RB – Michigan State 

The Michigan State Spartans RB, Kenneth Walker would be a Day 1 RB2 and the perfect all-around back for Danny Dimes. Walker could just be the best RB to come out of Michigan State since Le’Veon Bell. Walker ousted 1,636 yards, 18 touchdowns, and averaged 6.2 YPC in route of decomposing defenses.

Saquon Barkley has shown that he can still produce at a very quality level. Nonetheless, Walker could be a reliable upgrade over backup Devontae Booker and boost to the attack if the elite RB continues to endure injuries. Walker should be on the board at least in the early third round (not beyond Round 3). It might even be a possibility that Walker commands the backfield in a couple of seasons. They could make a smart, quick pick with the Spartan.

3. Chad Muma – LB – Wyoming

Chad Muma is a versatile athlete and I could see him fitting in well in the Big Apple. We saw the aggressive, versatile LB Zack Baun slide until the third round and get picked up by the Saints. I could see a similar scenario playing out with Muma.

The 6’3 230 LB is a thumper and that’s evident with his 68 defensive stops. He’s also versatile and that could be a great asset in a defensive front with Leonard Williams. The Giants need to return to the days of having great LBs like JPP, Justin Tuck, and Michael Strahan (even if they have different skillsets).

4. Cole Turner – TE – Nevada (or trade for veteran TE or veteran OL)

Evan Engram could likely be out the door this offseason and Kyle Rudolph clearly isn’t the TE he used to be. It would be smart to pick a TE in the top four rounds of the draft. Cole Turner out of Nevada would fit in nicely at this spot. Turner hauled in a staggering 10 touchdowns last season and he also recorded 677 receiving yards — which was good for eighth in the nation among tight ends.

5. Romeo Doubs – WR – Nevada

It would be poetic if the GMEN obtained two weapons from Nevada. Furthermore, it would be a big help to Danny Dimes if they pulled it off. Romeo Doubs is Mr. consistent and a very explosive wideout at 6’2 200 pounds. He could be seen as a poor man’s version of Deebo Samuel, but he would surely be a nice complement to the rubber-like WR in Kadarius Toney. Jones could use more help in the screen game and Doubs would be a fantastic aid in that department.

6. D’vonta Price – RB – Florida International

If they truly want to figure out if Daniel Jones is the answer at QB, they need to load up on offense and come out “guns blazing” in 2022. They could really use more firepower at RB behind Barkley, even if they add Kenneth Walker. The 49ers make a living by utilizing the talent of many different running backs. Price would be a nice, downhill RB to finish a defense off late in ball games. If Barkley isn’t in the house in the near future, they can have a nice 1-2 punch in Walker and Price.

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