After two weeks of training camp practice , the Minnesota Vikings have seen multiple players stand out. The offense has seen most of the focus on the quarterback position but the defense is seeing the praise more wide spread.
Who are the biggest standout players on the defensive side of the football? There are numerous options but these four have stood out above the rest.
Minnesota Vikings training camp standouts on defense
EDGE Jonathan Greenard
When the Vikings signed Greenard in free agency to replace Danielle Hunter, it was an interesting move. Greenard had one really good year in 2023 and was going into year five. What he does have over Hunter isn't raw talent and ability but is a better fit for Brian Flores' defense due to his quickness off the ball and versatility.
Greenard has shown why he is worth the massive contract worth $19 million average annual value. Over the course of training camp, Greenard has shown that he can win in multiple ways, including against left tackle Christian Darrisaw . The move is poised to be a great one for the Vikings.
DT Levi Drake Rodriguez
Rodriguez was selected by the Vikings in the seventh round of April's NFL Draft and has made quite an impression. He got first-team reps during Friday's practice and looked the part.
The one surprise was seeing Rodriguez getting an opportunity with the first team. Getting a chance this early is a good sign for the seventh-round pick dubbed Prospect X by Kalyn Kahler. He bull-rushed Garrett Bradbury on the one play I noticed early on and didn’t look out of place.
Rodriguez is transitioning to play more of a nose tackle than three-technique and he's played really well in his opportunities.
ILB Brian Asamoah II
Asamoah might be the biggest surprise on the list. After being a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Asamoah struggled in 2023 and also suffered an injury that kept him out of action. Going into the 2024 season, Asamoah was firmly on the chopping block.
He took that to heart and has gone full force to try and keep his roster spot. Asamoah has been everywhere making plays in the backfield, in space and in coverage. He's also been physical with everyone and nearly started a fight with Johnny Mundt. With the Vikings likely keeping four linebackers, Asamoah looks like a player who could be a rotational player for Flores.
S Theo Jackson
Jackson has arguably been the best player in the Vikings' training camp. He's been flying around on the back end consistently breaking up passes and intercepting the ball. Theo proved he should be a starter for the Vikings sooner rather than later.
Now, will he end up starting for the Vikings? That remains to be seen and he could end up being one if the Vikings choose not to extend Camryn Bynum .
Related: Minnesota Vikings projected defensive depth chart: Cornerback and defensive line have major question marks
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