Speak your mind in the comments section below. Randall McDaniel was born December 19, 1964, in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent four years as a starter at Arizona State. The goal: assemble the scariest, most talented roster from Vikings historya group that promises to make the crowd roar without allowing a score. 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. Who Is The Best Running Back In The NFL Right Now? Here is every player who has ever held the position of Minnesota Vikings starting cornerback. These players are considered some of the best football players of all time. He was a first-team All-Pro three times over that span. 10. He also recovered 10 fumbles and returned two of them for touchdowns. He is still regarded as one of the best QBs in the league. Kam Chancellor NFL rules have changed throughout the years. The Vikings ended up falling just short in the Week 9 contest, but Bynum's big play helped give them a chance. The team's first-round draft choice in 1983, he came from USC to the NFL and quickly established. Despite excelling, Tarkenton was traded to the New York Giants in 1967. In his 1990 sophomore season, Atwater tallied an all-around 173 tackles, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and one sack. Click on as we power rank the top safeties in Minnesota Vikings history. The World Champion Bears in 1963 hold one of the best defenses of all-time, and of course this is probably behind a few other Bears teams. Just like part one, this roster will be both awesome and arguable, and I await your comments (@eddiechisham). What College Football Team Did John Wayne Play For? O'Connell gave a positive update on Cine's recovery process, noting the young safety's clear excitement about the upcoming season. . They hit their true stride in 1967 with Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant and are known for their dominating defensive line known as the Purple People Eaters and a slew of versatile athletes who redefined the bounds of their positions and earned hall of fame recognition. He detailed the play for media members, noting that the defense was in middle-open coverage, so he expected Baltimore to try attacking the middle of the field. Carl Eller was born January 25, 1942, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and attended college at the University of Minnesota. Pro-football-reference.com has provided advanced defensive stats since 2018 that are a decent metric of summarizing cornerbacks' play. In some circumstances, they need to hit like linebackers to stop the running game. Regarding staff, 95% of players felt the Vikings had enough athletic trainers (ATCs), and 92% said they had enough physical therapists (PTs). He started as a defensive end in every Super Bowl they played in and helped the Vikings win ten NFC titles during his eleven seasons.After retiring, he secured a degree in human services and became a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, advocating for people of color within the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Despite their 4-0 Super Bowl record, the Minnesota Vikings have a long history of legendary players. 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. Led the Vikings to three of their four Superbowls in 1974, 1975, and 1977, Became the first defensive player to receive the NFLs MVP award, Part of the legendary Vikings defensive line known as The Purple People Eaters, Set a record when he was selected twelve times consecutively for the Pro Bowl, Regarded as the real muscle behind the notorious Purple People Eaters, Selected for the Vikings 40th and 50th Anniversary teams, NFL 1,000-Yard Clubs Top Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1969, Selected for the NFLs All-Decade Team for the 1990s, Widely considered the Vikings greatest. While individual stats don't hold as much weight if the Vikings didn't accomplish a team win, it's tough to deny the performance Woods had against the Cowboys in Week 8. Also among the position group were 2020 additions Josh Metellus (sixth round) and Myles Dorn (undrafted). It's all about being a Viking. The second on the list, or first we suppose, was Paul Krause. 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. February 28, 2023. Ed Reed's impact should not be downplayed, however. One name that is well worth mentioning among the Top 10 Strong Safety All-Time list is the former Seattle Seahawks and Pro Football Hall of Famer strong safety Kenny Easley. L.C. Russ Grimm 10. Even though he was limited to part-time duty during his first two seasons, he still managed three interceptions and an amazing seven fumble recoveries. Albin Ouschan 3-rail bank hide, against China team [1:30]: https://youtu.be/xi2KtnHkp8k?t=613. 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. He became their starting quarterback in his rookie season and began a relentless career that landed him in the history books and at the top of our list. Please rank the players based only on their time with the Vikings, The Best Quarterbacks to Never Win a Super Bowl, The Best Notre Dame Football Players of All Time. ! The rest is Vikings history. Despite his questionable judgment off the field, Petersons skill as a running back is undeniable. His pass coverage, meanwhile, lowered his overall rating. In a comparison between Krause and Smith, even though they come from different eras, the edge would easily go to the player who wore No. Darrell Green 3. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. In seven seasons, Bush has just 12 starts, three interceptions, and 100 tackles. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. Gil Brandt from NFL.com ranks Krause as the 11th-best safety in NFL history. In his athletic prime, Antoine Winfield was an excellent corner in coverage and had a keen ability to press wide receivers at the line. Little known fact about Alan Page: he blocked 28 punts and kicks in his careeras an interior lineman. For his imposing presence in the backfield and his sheer number of tackles, Griffith edges past Kassulke into the No. NFL teams were graded on eight categories with a grading range of F to A+. Orlando Thomas was a second-round pick for the Vikings in the 1995 NFL draft. It was a smart move. Bush has 17 tackles over the last two seasons on special teams. Ronnie Lott 4. As was the case for Anthony Harris, Smith had to do more with less around him. Copyright 2017-2023 Rookie Road Inc. All rights reserved. 4 position on the list of greatest Vikings safeties of all time. Picking a highest high proved challenging because a number of the safeties' big plays occurred mostly in games Minnesota ultimately lost. "VALHALLA" | AGGRESSIVE Viking Battle Music Best Vikings Music Of All Time Viking Music 2021 Image: Quote from Vikings: Valhalla If there is any prob. That isn't due to the lack of great players. 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. He proved his merit over time, beginning a 176 consecutive-game streak with 133 straight starts in 1992.It wasnt until around 1996, though, that he truly came into his own. 1. No pair of safeties has performed better or lifted their defense higher than the Vikings' tandem of Harris and Smith. For his intense field presence, his contributions to some of the best defenses in history and his longevity with the club, Karl Kassulke moves past Orlando Thomas into the No. He retired at the peak of his career in 1978 and held every significant NFL passing record, and still ranks in the top ten for many. Those are true Vikings. Cousins is a player who typically looks for a shorter deal in extension talks, favoring two to three year contracts with plenty of money guaranteed. Formed in 1961, the Minnesota Vikings have been one of the NFL's hard luck franchises. Troy Polamalu 3. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Check in next week for the next power ranking of all-time Vikings. The data was averaged for the number of years each duo players together. 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. Vikings have 2 of the top safeties of all time Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC West Broncos. For years, the Purple People Eaters, the nickname for the Vikings defensive line, were one of the most intimidating in the league. For his longevity and his record-breaking thievery, Paul Krause barely slips past Joey Browner as the best safety in Minnesota Vikings history. Players also do not have roommates during their trips. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. He played for the University of Georgia and was drafted to the Vikings in 1961 when the team was just getting its start. https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/05/vikings-have-2-of-the-top-safeties-of-all-time/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A slight edge was given to those duos that played together the longest. He played in all four of the Vikings Super Bowl appearances and helped the team win two NFL Central Division titles, three NFC titles, and nine NFC Central championships. He was undrafted out of San Diego State and spent a year in the CFL before arriving in Minnesota in 1994. He played at the University of Oklahoma, where he made history as the runner-up for the Heisman trophy as a freshman and was the Vikings first-round draft pick in 2007. Its early, but I am creating the best team possible, and Anthony Barrs traits fit perfectly with this defense. Ken Houston 6. 25. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 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 . Yet, here stands perhaps the best collection of defensive linemen the NFL will ever know. His intense passion for the game and endless pursuit of perfection made him one of the most fearsome safeties of his. The Vikings have drafted well over the years. It only took Sendejo 10 days to find another job after Minnesota declined the option on his contract as he signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. 7 bold predictions for the Minnesota Vikings 2019 season. The Raiders and Texans were the only two in the top five to finish with a losing record, while the Vikings, Dolphins, and Cowboys all made the . Table of Contents Who are the Best NFL Safeties of All Time? After some legal trouble and a devastating end to his promising college career, the wide receiver found himself in the supplemental draft, where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Especially intriguing is Metellus, who received more opportunities this past year, including in the nickel when Mackensie Alexander missed the regular-season finale. Dexter Manley 8. Gil Brandt of NFL Network continued his breakdown of the top players all-time at every position on Wednesday when he rolled out a list of the best safeties to ever lace up their chinstrap.. Randle led the Vikings in sacks in nine of his 11 seasons, and strung together eight seasons in a row with over 10 sacks. Eller led the charge in four Minnesota Vikings campaigns that led to Super Bowl appearances, and hardly ever missed a start throughout his career. Monte Coleman 14. Smith is slowly making his case for being the best safety in Minnesota Vikings history. 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 . Five minutes into the fourth quarter, Woods recorded a strip sack of Rush, and linebacker Anthony Barr was able to recover the fumble. He tallied 130 career sacks in purple and was All-Pro five times. He played in nine Pro Bowls, and in 1975, he secured both the NFLs MVP and Offensive Player of the Year Award. 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. If you think someone should be on this list of the best Vikings of all time, then feel free to add him to the list. 9. Featuring 2018-2019 Vikings andsome of thegreatest NFL cornerbacks of all time,the best VikingsCBs include Antoine Winfield, Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes, Fred Smoot, and Cedric Griffin. He went on to snag 53 more as a member of the Vikings, setting an all-time NFL record of 81. The Vikings new Defensive Coordinator, Brian Flores, loves to blitz the passer. Known primarily as a tackler, Browner surprisingly snared 37 interceptions, which is good for fourth on the Vikings' all-time list. Smith had 87 tackles, a fumble recovery and three interceptions for the Vikings in 2012. Gil Brandt from NFL.com has been rattling off his best at each position group this offseason. Woods provided the experience the Vikings hoped for in the secondary, but he also was targeted most by opponents who likely veered away from a six-time Pro Bowler in Smith, who played more at the line of scrimmage than Woods. An important part of the Minnesota defensive backfield, the CB position requires fast players to cover receivers, defend against pass offenses, and make tackles. Updated: Mar 1, 2023 / 04:14 PM CST. He retired in 2001 after playing a final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and got licensed to work in the Minnesota Elementary school system helping mentor disadvantaged children in his community, a cause he was passionate about throughout his football career.Fans and peers regard him as one of the best offensive linemen in the league, and he has been applauded throughout his career for his athleticism, leadership, and character. Asked on Tuesday morning at the NFL Combine about a potential contract extension for Jefferson this offseason, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made himself clear. Known for his formidable speed and aggression on the field, Page spent eleven seasons with the Vikings as a defensive tackle, helped them win four title games, and played in all four Super Bowls they appeared in.He was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in 1971 and 1973, selected nine consecutive times for the Pro Bowl, and made history in 1971 as the first defensive player to be named MVP. Listed below are the top ten best Minnesota Vikings players of all time. Take a look at how all 32 of his. He holds the record for most rushing yards in a single game, was Best Offensive Player of the Year in 2012, and MVP in 2013, and ranks among some of the greatest running backs of all time. The draft capital and the cap space are limited, so Kwesi Adofo-Mensah needs to hit on the top signings and the first selection in the draft. From 2019 to 2020, Peppers recorded 167 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits across 26 games. Since the Vikings will be under new leadership, it will be interesting to see if the powers that be opt to re-sign Woods or move another direction. Following two stints and ten seasons with the Panthers, Julius Peppers is without question the franchise's best defensive player ever. He scored twice on interception returns as well. Antoine Winfield Jr. wasted no time making a name for himself as one of the best young safeties in the league. Off the field, however, he was troubled and faced child abuse charges in 2014. 9. Behind the Purple People Eaters of the 70s was one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. This linebacker corps covers all the bases: they are elite in coverage and stopping the run. The Hall of Famer was with the Vikings from 1968-1979 after three seasons with the Redskins. He made the Pro Bowl following the 1970 season. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The report card mentioned that all players felt like owner Zygi Wilf is willing to spend money to upgrade their facilities. At the time of his retirement, he ranked third and fourth in NFL history with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns. Browner forced 18 fumbles over his career and recovered 16 of them. Krause played 16 seasons in the NFL, the last 12 with the Vikings. No player has dominated the corner position since the turn of the century . (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. He was voted AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, selected for six Pro Bowls, and chosen for the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team. 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