NFL-record four career safeties Recorded 136 career sacks (No. 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. Vikings Are a Perfect Fit for Top Free Agent. 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. 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. He played in nine Pro Bowls, and in 1975, he secured both the NFLs MVP and Offensive Player of the Year Award. Minnesota returned All-Pro safety Harrison Smith for his 10th NFL season, and. ! Welcome to the latest in a series of slideshows that power rank the greatestMinnesota Vikingsof all time by position. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Bush has 17 tackles over the last two seasons on special teams. Is someone on the list who shouldn't be there? Browner, a 1983 first-round pick, played nine seasons with the Vikings and one with Tampa Bay. In 2021 . As the conquering King of England, Denmark, and Norway, Kntr (a.k.a. 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. The rest is Vikings history. Albin Ouschan 3-rail bank hide, against China team [1:30]: https://youtu.be/xi2KtnHkp8k?t=613. Carter was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013 and is one of the best wide receivers in football history. Kassulke was a big hitter and one of the backbones of the famed Purple People Eaters. Skyler Woodward thin hit kick freeze hide, with Shane van Boening [7:12]: https://youtu.be/6fMHRkcsCfU?t=9697. Part two of the Greatest Minnesota Vikingsof all time focuses on the defense. 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. He went on to snag 53 more as a member of the Vikings, setting an all-time NFL record of 81. Blair played his entire career with the Vikings and helped earn trips to two Super Bowls. Part two of the Greatest Minnesota Vikings of all time focuses on the defense. The offense once again failed to capitalize, though, and the Vikings ultimately fell 20-16. (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. 25. His strength was the run defense, where he was the third-best league-wide at his position. 2022 Team: Kansas City Chiefs 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.. 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 . From 2019 to 2020, Peppers recorded 167 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits across 26 games. Please check your email for a confirmation. Each week will feature a different position, and the best Vikings to take the field at that position will be ranked from fifth to first. 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 . When it comes to the greatest Vikings quarterback, Fran Tarkenton tops just about every list.He is considered the best quarterback the franchise has ever seen, and he led the team to three Super Bowls during his latter seven years with them. Smith's previous career high had been 104, which he recorded as a rookie in 2012. A slight edge was given to those duos that played together the longest. It's all about being a Viking. Justin Hall kick and stick with stun forward, against Nikos Ekonomopoulos [2:30]: https://youtu.be/omQ35O_N_co?t=18264. 16 despite having an NFL-record 81 interceptions. His fierce hits caused receivers to think twice about going across the middle of the secondary. EAGAN, Minn. The Vikings combined a mixture of veteran experience and youth at the safety position in 2021. Players also do not have roommates during their trips. 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. Ken Houston 15. He attacks the ball in the air exceptionally well with great range and angles. Strong Safety. 4) Larry Wilson He revolutionized the "safety blitz" that we see in every game today and finished his career with a whopping 52 interceptions. The 25 Best Safeties In NFL History. Behind the Purple People Eaters of the 70s was one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. He played in eight consecutive Pro Bowls and was selected for the 1990s All-Decade team.In 2002, at the time of his retirement, he was the NFLs second all-time leading receiver, held 19 team records for the Vikings, 1,101 receptions for 13,899 yards, and 130 touchdowns.His career is not only a testament to his skill but the gratification of hard work and discipline. These lists are filled with players who epitomize what it means to be a Viking. Despite his questionable judgment off the field, Petersons skill as a running back is undeniable. Take a look at how all 32 of his. McMichael set a franchise record with three safeties . Smith, the Vikings' second first-round pick of the 2012 draft, helped turn an abysmal secondary into a respectable NFL unit in his first year. It also called Kevin OConnell one of the most player-friendly coaches., The overview finished saying that the Vikings are a shining example of what is possible when a concerted investment is made in both staffing and facilities.. Tingelhoff passed away in 2021 at the age of 81, and his dedication, skill, leadership, and stellar function as a teammate are his legacy. He also recovered 10 fumbles and returned two of them for touchdowns. Table of Contents Who are the Best NFL Safeties of All Time? He even helped push the Vikings to all four of their Super Bowl appearances and four championship victories, playing in the Vikings most successful era and demonstrating an impeccable work ethic and sportsmanship. Minnesota returned All-Pro safety Harrison Smith for his 10th NFL season, and signed Xavier Woods after he played his first four pro seasons with Dallas. If anyone can get past that nasty defensive line, they wont get much farther. The Minnesota Vikings were praised for their cafeteria, with 100% of players saying there is enough room. Yes, he has some big-time competition in both Paul Krause and Joey Browner, but the consistency and. He played for the Vikings from 1961 to 1966 and then again from 1972 to 1978 and was a dominant force in both stints. If he played at that level at a 17-game pace, Peppers would have . Copyright 2017-2023 Rookie Road Inc. All rights reserved. In his career, he has 305 tackles and 12 interceptions. Top 10 BEST SAFETIES of All Time And How to Shoot Them 56,661 views Dec 16, 2020 1.2K Dislike DrDaveBilliards 240K subscribers Dr. Dave recreates and analyzes the 10 best safeties of all time. Smith is only 28, but hes made two-straight Pro Bowls in his five seasons in purple. His 1,098 tackles are the fifth highest number in team history. His intense passion for the game and endless pursuit of perfection made him one of the most fearsome safeties of his. Mick Tingelhoff was an undrafted free agent when he started in his rookie season with the Vikings at center, a position he maintained over his exemplary 17 seasons, and earned him recognition as one of the best the NFL has ever seen. He nabbed his first career interception, picking off 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson with a savvy play down the middle of the field. Heres where it gets arguable. Top 50 Washington Redskins Players of All Time By Clark Boinis | Aug 28, 2021, 12:32pm 1. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. They've drafted two of the best players ever in Randy Moss and 2012 NFL MVP Adrian Peterson. Randall McDaniel was born December 19, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent four years as a starter at Arizona State. Bynum answered the bell after finding out the morning of the Ravens game that he'd need to make his first NFL start. Francisco Bustamante carom off three rails to hide, against Thorsten Hohmann [8:00]: https://youtu.be/uJ-ixqSywDc?t=6148. Though not known as a formidable tackler, Krause's presence in the deep middle of the secondary allowed the Purple People Eaters to unleash a scary pass-rush on opposing quarterbacks. 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. Buy Vikings Tickets. 1. In his six years as the team's strong safety, he tallied nearly 600 tackles, including more than 100 in a season three times. Some have been ball hawks, while others have been huge hitters. Known primarily as a tackler, Browner surprisingly snared 37 interceptions, which is good for fourth on the Vikings' all-time list. 15 Worst Free Agents Signings of All-Time. Brian Dawkins 5. He also holds the team mark for 852 yards on interception returns. This purple pack of players isn't limited to the most skilled or the most iconic Vikings. This was by far the most difficult position group to select. Sean Taylor 6. Carnell Lake performed swimmingly for 10 seasons as a Steeler in the Burgh. Hes a hall of famer and widely considered one of the best in the league. Jones was perhaps the best at his position in the NFL during the early part of the decade, exemplified by being voted to the . Vote or rerank this list of the greatest Minnesota Vikings ever, then head over and check out some of the best Vikings kickers ever. He was voted AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, selected for six Pro Bowls, and chosen for the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team. The Vikings had several Hall of Famers suit up for them during their Super Bowl years like Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page and Ron Yary. Players had no complaints regarding the Vikings new locker room. Sendejos contract option was $5.4 million in 2019 and it ended up being a price too high for the Vikings as Harris looked more than capable in his nine starts last year. His overall total in Minnesota was 635 tackles. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. Also among the position group were 2020 additions Josh Metellus (sixth round) and Myles Dorn (undrafted). He isnt just an all-time Vikings player, he is an all-time NFL player. He made the Pro Bowl following the 1970 season. Those are the quintessential Vikings to many fans. 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. Smith is slowly making his case for being the best safety in Minnesota Vikings history. 1 / 100 Minnesota Vikings 2 / 100. With 148 career sacks (as an interior linemanI cant stress that enough), four Super Bowl appearances, and four defensive player of the year honors, Page was one of the most impactful players of the era. Lists that rank the greatest players and coaches in the history of the NFL franchise. 2. Browner forced 18 fumbles over his career and recovered 16 of them. Last week, we covered the tight ends. At the time of his retirement, he ranked third and fourth in NFL history with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns. Gil Brandt from NFL.com has been rattling off his best at each position group this offseason. Krause played 16 seasons in the NFL, the last 12 with the Vikings. Adrian Peterson was born on March 21, 1985, in Palestine, Texas. Just like part one, this roster will be both awesome and arguable, and I await your comments (@eddiechisham). 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? Of course there was a number of other players considered, but no one popped on the film quite like Barr. Bynum certainly showed promise in his first season, especially considering the Vikings converted him from cornerback. A list of the best Minnesota Vikings of all time. 8. That record has lasted over 37 years. Orlando Thomas was a second-round pick for the Vikings in the 1995 NFL draft. Yet, here stands perhaps the best collection of defensive linemen the NFL will ever know. 3 spot on this list of greatest Vikings safeties. The Minnesota Vikings need to be efficient in the offseason. Minnesota signed Woods to a one-year deal, meaning he's slated to become a free agent in March. The best NFL safeties of all time are the ones that could lock down the league's best wide receivers in coverage while also delivering big hits to stop the run game. Dexter Manley 8. Became the first defensive player to receive the NFL's MVP award. Currently, the team is roughly $24 million over . Best Safety Photos of 2020 View the best safety photos of the 2020 season from Vikings photographers. He is still regarded as one of the best QBs in the league. The Minnesota Vikings opened this years training camp on Friday and one position they appear to be all set for the season is safety. 0. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Griffith, who was the Vikings' starting strong safety for six years, was one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. When he saw the Ravens offense set up, Bynum immediately recognized it as a look he'd seen all week during Vikings practices. The Minnesota Vikings' defense could be different at all levels in 2023, depending on how radical they decide to be when it comes to personnel changes. The goal: assemble the scariest, most talented roster from Vikings historya group that promises to make the crowd roar without allowing a score. Justin Bergman carom off three rails for hide and distance, against Niels Feijen [10:43]: https://youtu.be/aNZJURtAflE?t=161010. 22 in the videowas the greatest ball hawk in NFL history. Acquired by Minnesota prior to training camp, he stepped right in for the Vikings. In similar fashion to the defensive line . We asked for your Top 10 Vikings players of all time and more than 5,000 people responded. Krause still holds the all time interceptions record in the NFL with 81. 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. Emlen Tunnell Honorable Mentions FAQ Smith has been one of the NFL's best safeties for a good long time, and he managed to maintain that status despite coverage and pressure breakdowns all along Minnesota's defense. The report card explains that the weight room is new and players are happy with it. 98% of the players felt like the Vikings had enough strength coaches. Studwell was often in the right place at the right time, and that was no accident. He was known as much for his consistency as his stature and grit. Featuring 2018-2019 Vikings and some of the greatest NFL cornerbacks of all time, the best Vikings CBs include Antoine Winfield, Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes, Fred Smoot, and Cedric Griffin. There's a certain feel to those classic Vikings standing on the sideline at Met Stadium in freezing conditions with steam coming out of their face masks. In addition, he compiled 7.5 sacks in Minnesota, including four in 1999. For his physical and mental contributions to the Vikings during his rookie year, Harrison Smith receives Honorable Mention on the list of the greatest Vikings safeties of all time. 11 on all-time list), 57 pass deflections and 31 forced fumbles Scott Boehm/Associated Press 3 / 31 29. There were certainly ups and downs from the veteran defensive back, and it's worth keeping an eye on. He's a seven-time First-Team All-Pro and has 56 career picks and counting. But despite that and three more Super Bowl appearances, the Vikings have yet to win a Super Bowl championship. Earlier this week, he covered the safety position. While he earned a reputation for his tumultuous personal life and numerous legal battles, his formidable speed, athleticism, and talent are undeniable. He replaces A . Maybe one day Smith will join Browner and Krause as one of the all-time great safeties. Forget just making this list, Page ought to be considered for the greatest Minnesota Vikings player of all time. 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