Minnesota Vikings secondary earns poor ranking from PFF ahead of 2025
Last week, PFF ranked all 32 secondaries in the league. They ranked the Vikings 27th, citing talented yet aging players and unproven younger additions as concerns.
This is an aging secondary that benefits from a defensive scheme designed to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Safety Harrison Smith still plays quality football, though his prime years are behind him. Josh Metellus is an average safety but reliable against the run. Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. is coming off a career year, but it's unclear whether he's finally hitting his stride or if it was a one-year spike in performance. The Vikings added several defensive backs in free agency — Isaiah Rodgers, Tavierre Thomas and Jeff Okudah — but they will likely need the front seven to continue generating heavy pressure for the secondary to succeed.
It's hard to argue the assessment of Smith, who is 36. But Metellus is a Swiss Army Knife, a leader on the defense who plays all over the defense. Calling him "average" is one thing, but pigeon-holing him as a traditional safety further diminishes his actual impact.
There is no mention of fourth-year safety Theo Jackson, who has played sparingly through three seasons. Yet teammates and coaches rave about him when he's mentioned. Could he be the latest safety to break through in Flores' defense?
If Rodgers can meet his potential and Murphy can repeat his Pro Bowl season, the Vikings could have a solid cornerback tandem. Questions remain about the CB3 spot, as Mekhi Blackmon returns from injury, and Okudah probably isn't being counted on to start.
27th feels harsh, but it's hard to give any definitive reasons why the Vikings should be higher on the list outside of "trust Brian Flores". At worst, the secondary isn't very good, but the improved pass rush helps mitigate this. At best, the pieces in the secondary come together and solidify this defense as one of the league's best.
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