Your Minnesota Vikings have gotten off to an impressive 5-0 start off the back of a game-wrecking defense and some timely scoring. However, that doesn’t mean that the entire team has been firing on all cylinders. At times, one group has had to lift up the other in order to secure the victory. For that reason, I wanted to go position-by-position to see which positional groups have excelled thus far and which ones still have room for growth.
Quarterback: C+
Kyler Murray missed much of last year and most of the first three games this year, so a ramp-up period is to be expected. Still, because of his inability to string together drives, I can’t give this position higher than a C+. Wentz also had a few games of play, but the Vikings offense struggled in those performances as well. All in all, the QB play has to be better. While there has been a steady increase in efficiency, it has a long way to go before this feels like the quarterback room of a true contender.
Running Back: B+
Despite the absence of Jordan Mason since his finger injury in week 1, the Vikings’ run game has been remarkably solid. Aaron Jones has shouldered pretty much the entire rushing load, and he’s been effective at moving the ball. The offensive line, which has been missing a few starters, has consistently opened up running lanes. Max Bredeson, the rookie fullback, has proven to be a solid addition for giving Aaron Jones extra rushing support. This might be partly attributed to the addition of Frank Smith to the coaching staff, but whatever it is, the running game’s efficiency cannot be overlooked.
Wide Receiver: B
With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings all at receiver, one might expect a higher grade. The problem is that injuries have plagued this room all year. Jefferson missed almost two straight games, and Jordan Addison was unavailable for the Saints game. Additionally, since the quarterback play has been up and down, the opportunities haven’t really been there for the receivers to break out and make splash plays. Still, there have been flashes like the deep Jordan Addison touchdown against the Buccaneers and Jefferson’s unbelievable touchdown grab against the Saints. I expect this grade to be a lot higher by the end of the year.
Tight End: A-
Despite losing Josh Oliver for the foreseeable future, the tight end room has been huge in the Vikings’ success through the bye week. T.J. Hockenson has quickly become one of Murray’s favorite targets, and he also played a big role in Wentz’s comeback against the Packers. Gavin Barholomew and Ben Yurosek have also emerged as surprise weapons in this year’s offense. Between the catching and the stellar blocking, the Vikings’ tight ends have played a crucial and understated role in the team’s 5-0 start.
Offensive Line: B-
It was looking a little dicey in the first few weeks, but the Vikings’ offensive line has been perfectly serviceable through five games. Many of Kyler’s best plays have come in clean pockets, and the running game has benefited a ton from the blocking of Brian O’Neill and Will Fries on the right side. This group also lost Donovan Jackson for the year and was without Christian Darrisaw in the Saints game, but they’ve managed to remain competitive and allow Murray to operate the offense.
Defensive Line: A+
What more can be said about the Vikings’ defensive line that hasn’t already been said? Flores is a defensive wizard, but the individuals making up this defensive line have excelled in their respective roles. Jalen Redmond is an absolute game-wrecker who has constantly created pressure and stuffed the run. Levi Drake-Rodriguez is coming into his own as a high-motor defensive tackle. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins has been consistently good in the run game. As far as edge rushers go, Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Kyle Van Noy have all made splash plays, with Turner emerging as a breakout star. This is where the Vikings’ biggest strength lies, and they’ll need it to continue to be a strong and healthy group moving forward.
Linebackers: A
Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson are such an underrated duo, but their presence as tacklers and communicators can’t be undersold. Both have been all over the field and made huge plays in both rushing the passer and shutting down opponent running games. Ivan Pace has been solid off the bench after a bit of a down season in 2025, and even newcomer Jake Golday made his presence known on special teams against the Saints when he forced a timely fumble. This is a room that won’t get a lot of shine in national media, but it is still deserving of a spotlight.
Cornerbacks: A-
After the Packers game, there was some nervousness surrounding the Vikings’ cornerbacks. Since then, the murmurs have been quieted as all of the starters have made impressive contributions. Byron Murphy has created several turnovers while Isaiah Rodgers and James Pierre have simply locked down opposing receivers. You can say that these are scheme corners who benefit from the defensive line play, and in some ways, that may be true. I still think that they’ve all elevated their play this year, especially Isaiah Rodgers, who seems to have found some new comfort in Flores’ system.
Safety: C
While the corners have made a name for themselves, the safeties are still finding their footing. Harrison Smith has seen reduced snaps and still seems to be settling into the season. Josh Metellus has been fine but has also made mistakes in coverage. Theo Jackson has been equally inconsistent. It’s hard to play safety in a blitz-heavy scheme, but there does need to be some improvement if this defense wants to continue to be dominant. The NFC North has some of the best receivers in the league with Christian Watson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the emerging Luther Burden, so the safety room will have to be better to protect against the big plays.
Kicker/Special Teams: A+
The Vikings have been able to count on the talents of Myles Price, Will Reichard, and everyone else who plays on special teams. Reichard hasn’t missed yet this season, and Price has delivered consistently good field position for the offense. There’s not too much more to say about special teams except for the fact that it’s one of the best units in the league.
