MINNEAPOLIS— Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has released his annual list of the 100 best players in the NFL, and a handful of current and former Minnesota Vikings made the list.
Prisco’s top-ranked Viking won’t surprise anyone, though his seeding may be cut short after an injury-shortened season. The Vikings lost a few roster players while adding one of Prisco’s honorable mentions in free agency.
Read on for the full breakdown of Prisco’s choices.
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No. 7: Justin Jefferson
Despite missing seven games last season due to injury, Jefferson retains the same spot as the 2023 version of Prisco’s list. Jefferson topped 1,000 yards in just 10 games – a feat made even more impressive by the fact that he only managed 55 yards in the games immediately before and after his injury.
The 25-year-old superstar deserved the largest non-quarterback contract in NFL history of the Vikings this offseason.
Jefferson is the second-ranked wide receiver on the list, behind Miami’s Tyreek Hill at No. 4.
Michael Owens
No. 35: Danielle Hunter
Hunter had a career year in Brian Flores’ defense, recording 16.5 sacks and 23 tackles for a loss. Unfortunately, his stellar play put him out of the Vikings’ price range in free agency. Hunter signed a deal with the Houston Texansleaving a hole at pass rusher that Minnesota will try to fill with a rookie Dallas Turner and free agent additions Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel.
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No. 54: Christian Darrisaw
Darrisaw moves up two spots from last year’s list, with Prisco noting that his pass protection is still excellent but his run blocking needs work. Darrisaw, 25, is likely the next Viking to be considered for an extension.
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No. 67: TJ Hockenson
Like Jefferson, Hockenson’s season was hampered by injury. But he still caught 95 balls for 960 yards and (a career-high) and five touchdowns. He will likely miss the start of next season recovering from ACL surgerybut if he returns, the Vikings will boast one of the best pass-catching corps in the league with Jefferson, Hockenson and Jordan Addison.
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No. 98: Kirk Cousins
The The Neven era is over in Minnesota, but he went out playing some of his best balls. Before tore his Achilles tendon in week eight, Cousins ​​had completed 69.5% of his passes for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. He is now with the Atlanta Falcons, who hope that the injury and Cousins’ age (35) do not lead to a decline in the game. Here’s a fun fact for you: the Falcons actually drafted a replacement for Cousins ​​before the Vikings did. Atlanta drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in April, with the Vikings taking QB JJ McCarthy at number 10.
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Honorable Mention: Aaron Jones
Jones defected to the Vikings after the Green Bay Packers cut him this offseason. The 29-year-old running back may not be the player he once was, but he was outstanding during Green Bay’s playoff run, totaling 226 rushing yards and three touchdowns in two games. He and third-year Ty Chandler will form a powerful one-two punch for Minnesota.
