Jamal Adams’ season-ending non-contact injury at MetLife Stadium this past weekend ripped through the Minnesota Vikings’ safety depth, turning fan concern into a full-blown shriek for Harrison Smith. Just a week ago, Vikings faithful wanted Smith back for his 15th season, but now? That collective desire has cranked up to eleven. Their unofficial depth chart has Joshua Metellus and Jay Ward penciled in as starters, with a handful of other names like Theo Jackson and the Thomases filling out the rest. Personally, I’d call that an acceptable group, but the sharp minds over at Two Deep ranked them as only the No. 4 unit in the entire NFC North. Yikes.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Where the Depth Stands
So, how do these guys actually stack up? When you look at the PFF coverage grades among 107 safeties who played at least 200 snaps, Jay Ward finished 30th with a 68.6. Harrison Smith was literally one spot better at 29th with a 69.0. Joshua Metellus, though? He landed way down at 92nd with a 46.8 grade, which is a significant drop. But here’s where it gets interesting: Metellus absolutely shines in pass rush, ranking 27th with a 72.6, which is exactly what you’d expect in Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defensive scheme. Smith was right there too, 29th at 71.5. Ward, on the other hand, was 101st with a 44.8 in pass rush. And when it came to run defense, all three were pretty “mid” as the kids say: Ward 52nd, Metellus 64th, and Smith 85th. Last season’s overall grades tell a similar story: Ward at 26th (70.4), Smith at 36th (68.9), and Metellus at 85th (55.6).
Smith Is No Luxury, He’s the Answer
What does all this tell you? Metellus is a specialist, a unique fit for Flores’ defense, which makes total sense given Flores’ knack for molding specific players. And Ward, who only played 249 coverage snaps, definitely deserves a much longer look. But the real takeaway? Harrison Smith isn’t some extra piece; he’s an absolute necessity. The man played 793 snaps last season, 50th among safeties, and that’s solid proof that for a 37-year-old defensive back, “less is more.” If he comes back, you can bet he’ll be on an even stricter pitch count, letting Ward and Metellus get their reps while Smith slots in for injuries or specific sub-packages. Look around his draft class: Kevin Zeitler, Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David, Russell Wilson, all either unsigned or retired. Demario Davis is a weak-side starter for the Jets, and Bryan Anger is punting for the Cowboys. Smith is still in the mix, and that’s saying something.
The biggest question hanging over Minnesota right now is whether Harrison Smith decides to lace ’em up for another season. Given the glaring hole left by Adams and the uneven grades of their current depth, his return isn’t just a nostalgic nod to a veteran; it’s potentially the difference maker the Vikings desperately need to solidify their secondary. Keep your eyes peeled, because his decision could shape their season in a huge way.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Daily Norseman.
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