Vikings GM expects two players to take major leap in 2023
The Minnesota Vikings have plenty to look forward to in the 2023 season. The Vikings have a roster capable of contending in the NFC with a balanced mix of rising stars and established veterans. While no NFL roster is complete in April, the Vikings still have question marks in the secondary. When Vikings GM Kwesi […]
The Minnesota Vikings have plenty to look forward to in the 2023 season. The Vikings have a roster capable of contending in the NFC with a balanced mix of rising stars and established veterans.
While no NFL roster is complete in April, the Vikings still have question marks in the secondary. When Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed reporters in Thursday’s pre-draft press conference, he mentioned Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth as two players who could make a major leap in Year Two.
“We're really excited about Akayleb and Andrew,” Adofo-Mensah said. “They played in spurts last season and you saw the potential that we saw in them on draft day. But again, this sport isn't about flashes or one play. It's about showing consistency over a lot of plays. And that's ultimately the challenge that every young player has and we're going to help them get to the best ability they can, but we're really excited about what they have and what they're coming back with.”
Booth was drafted in the second round of last year’s draft while Evans heard his name called in the fourth round.
Evans played in 10 games in 2022, starting in two of them. He recorded 23 tackles, three TFLs, two passes defensed and one forced fumble. With the departures of Patrick Peterson and Duke Shelley in free agency, he will have an opportunity to carve out a significant role for himself in training camp.
Booth’s rookie season got off to a rocky start after suffering a knee injury that later required surgery. He logged one start in six games and registered 12 tackles.
The Vikings added Byron Murphy in free agency who is expected to lead the Vikes’ secondary. But in order for the team to improve upon its 31st ranked pass defense from a year ago, Booth and Evans will need to show significant signs of improvement in Brian Flores’ defense.
