We still don’t know where Everson Griffen will play in 2020. For all we know, maybe it will be back in Minnesota depending how the market shakes out.
But for now, we can probably expect Ifeadi Odenigbo to be the starter opposite Danielle Hunter on the Vikings’ defensive line.
Given Odenigbo’s seven sacks in limited time last season, it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t deserve it.
Who is Odenigbo studying to prepare for his potential new role?
Griffen himself.
“I got to study him and study his mechanics, Everson, the way he goes about it, there’s no wasted movement,” Odenigbo said via the Star Tribune. “As a vet now, I know the technique and the fundamentals, it’s just work out the mechanics, just fine-tune the little details.”
Last season, Odenigbo played 403 defensive snaps compared to Griffen’s 993 snaps. The first step for Odenigbo will be to make sure he’s physically ready for the role, something he’s preparing for.
Per Pro Football Focus, Odenigbo ranked as the league’s 28th edge rusher with a grade of 74 out of 102 players.