The Minnesota Vikings secondary still has question marks going into the 2024 NFL season. Brian Flores has a decent group to work with, but depth is a must. On Tuesday a fan-favorite was brought back into the fold.
The Duke returns for Minnesota Vikings
Last season the Minnesota Vikings played without employing Duke Shelley on their 53-man roster. Despite emerging as a fan-favorite during the 2022 season, The Duke was nowhere to be found. Changing over from defensive coordinator Ed Donatell to Brian Flores, personnel changes were afoot. Playing in 11 games and drawing five starts, Shelley was ultimately deemed expendable. Until now.
After emerging as a spot starter in 2022, the Vikings let Shelley walk. The former Chicago Bears sixth round pick latched on with the Los Angeles Rams and played in 11 games, but didn’t draw a start. After playing in more than 50% of Minnesota’s defensive snaps during the 2022 season, he was just a rotation player for the Rams.
With Minnesota, Shelley racked up 31 tackles including a career-best eight passes defensed. While Andrew Booth Jr. struggled as a rookie, and Ed Donatell’s defense couldn’t slow opposing offenses, Shelley was a bright spot. Strong grades from Pro Football Focus highlighted his prowess and only helped to raise his overall fanfare.
Related: Light Bulbs Just Aren’t Turning On for Lewis Cine or Andrew Booth Jr.
If the wake of tragedy altering Minnesota’s cornerback position, depth has been a question mark. Andrew Booth Jr. isn’t a lock to make the 53-man roster, and Kevin O’Connell needs his defense to improve. Shelley provides a familiar face and a veteran presence. This will be his first time working under the tutelage of Flores.
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