Position groups can have a sort of renaissance that sometimes occurs when they bring in a new coordinator for the Vikings safeties that happened. The talent has always been there on paper, but in 2023, we saw them take a big step forward, and others have noticed.
Mike Clay of ESPN says the Vikings’ safety group is the biggest strength on the roster. The group, led by Harrison Smith, has also seen the emergence of Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus.
“Minnesota is the only team with three safeties on the roster who played at least 900 snaps last season. Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus (who got some work at slot corner) were all on the field for at least 94% of the Vikings’ defensive plays, and the trio combined for 342 tackles. Smith is still playing solid ball as he enters his age-35 season.”
The defense really shined during the 2023 season with the emergence of Bynum and Metellus. Smith was an established difference-maker on that side of the ball, but the youth infusion will lead this defense into the next generation.
The team brought in more youth in the draft and in free agency. They brought in a franchise rookie quarterback who is poised to be the guy for the next ten years, with a strong defense led by the safeties they can have faith in things going the way they want.