Vikings up to date depth chart after Za’Darius Smith commerce
Oct 10, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end D.J. Wonnum (98) and defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (90) in action during the game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings depth chart after Minnesota traded Za’Darius Smith to the Browns nonetheless has remaining pass-rushing potential even with out the veteran.
After months of hypothesis, the Vikings made their break up with Za’Darius Smith official on Friday by buying and selling him to the Browns.
The final notion is that Cleveland won the trade however Minnesota parted methods with an sad participant they could have needed to lower in any case, clearing a pleasant chunk of cap area and enhancing their draft standing within the course of.
Whatever the preliminary grades, the Smith commerce will affect the defensive depth chart for the Vikings in 2023, although it feels just like the group has already ready for that eventuality.
Vikings up to date depth chart after Za’Darius Smith commerce
- LDE
- NT
- Khyiris Tonga
- Jaquelin Roy [5th-round draft pick]
- RDE
- Harrison Phillips
- Jonathan Bullard
- LOLB
- Danielle Hunter
- Pat Jones II
- WLB
- MLB
- Brian Asamoah II
- Troy Reeder
- ROLB
- Marcus Davenport
- D.J. Wonnum
- LCB
- Andrew Sales space Jr.
- Joejuan Williams
- SS
- Harrison Smith
- Josh Metellus
- FS
- RCB
- Akayleb Evans
- Mekhi Blackmon [3rd-round draft pick]
- NB
- Byron Murphy
- Jay Ward [4th-round draft pick]
In 2022, the Vikings had Smith beginning reverse Danielle Hunter within the two outdoors linebacker spots. Earlier in 2023, they signed Saints edge Marcus Davenport in a transfer that appeared to sign the place issues with Smith have been heading.
Now, Minnesota will rely on Davenport to take over the beginning spot from Smith, or for D.J. Wonnum to tackle a bigger position.
Davenport has been the epitome of an injury-prone participant throughout his profession. He’s by no means began greater than 13 video games in a season. Minnesota is hoping to get the model of Davenport that stood out with 9 sacks and three compelled fumbles in 11 video games of motion in 2021. Much less superb could be the Davenport who managed simply 0.5 sacks in 15 video games final 12 months.
