When the Vikings drafted Dallas Turner out of Alabama in the first round of April’s NFL Draft, they did so to pair him up with free agent signing Jonathan Greenard. The pass rush duo of Turner and Greenard has heightened the stakes for other edge rushers on the Vikings, and Patrick Jones II has capitalized on it.
The former Pittsburgh Panthers edge rusher is entering his fourth year with the Minnesota Vikings after being drafted by the team in 2021. Jones’ time with the Vikings has been a rollercoaster. He has sometimes flashed some brilliant moments but has yet to put it all together.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated spent some time at Vikings camp this week and mentioned Jones II as a standout among the edge rushers.
“Jonathan Greenard’s athleticism and length is showing up on the practice field. . .that’s really helped first-round pick Dallas Turner, whose development in Brian Flores’s attacking system will be interesting. And Minnesota’s got depth there too, with versatile playmaker Andrew Van Ginkel. . .camp surprise Patrick Jones II stepping up. It’s fair to say you’ll probably see the four of these guys on the field together on some passing downs.”
Jones II’s inclusion in this talented pass-rusher group is going to help everyone in the long haul. A healthy rotation keeps everyone fresh so that they have a better chance at getting to the quarterback when the offensive line is gassed at the end of games.
Patrick Jones II has a chance to be an impact player in 2024, which is a win for everyone.