Minnesota Vikings: 3 Players who probably earned roster spots vs. Broncos
2. DE Tashawn Bower
Last August, one of the big names to watch was Tashawn Bower. A raw, undrafted rookie out of LSU with tremendous upside, he quickly proved doubters wrong with a sack in each of his first two preseason games with the Vikings.
Bower spent the entire 2017 season on the Vikings’ 53-man roster, although he was only active for two games and only played in one. Minnesota wasn’t going to let him go after getting a peek at his potential during the preseason, but he wasn’t quite ready to see snaps either. Well, now his time could come with a full NFL season under his belt.
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For the last few months, Bower has been tabbed as one of the Vikings’ top breakout candidates. We saw why that was the case on Saturday, as he routinely got after the quarterback. Although he was victimized by the read-option on the Broncos’ first touchdown, he tallied a sack and two hurries to go along with four tackles and a deflected pass.
Despite that impressive showing, Bower still has ground to gain. There are a handful of talented prospects vying for that No. 4 defensive end role right now. He’ll get pressure from players like Stephen Weatherly, Ade Aruna, Jonathan Wynn and Ifeadi Odenigbo for that rotational role. Even if the Vikings keep five defensive ends, it’s no guarantee the sophomore will stick.
If he has more of what he showed us against Denver in store for the rest of the preseason, though, Bower will get the gig. Every time he steps on the field, there’s plenty for fans to get excited about. Another sack or two in the coming weeks, and he’ll secure himself some actual playing time in 2018.