Minnesota Vikings' 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

Minnesota Vikings' 5 Most Irreplaceable Players Heading Into 2015 NFL Training Camp

By Brad Berreman

July 16, 2015

5 Most Irreplaceable Minnesota Vikings Heading Into 2015 Training Camp

Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings — The Minnesota Vikings have put together a group of very good young players, which has made them a intriguing team for 2015.

But injuries are always a factor, and here are the Vikings' five most irreplaceable players heading into training camp this year.

The Minnesota Vikings have put together a group of very good young players, which has made them a intriguing team for 2015.

But injuries are always a factor, and here are the Vikings' five most irreplaceable players heading into training camp this year.

5. TE Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings

5. TE Kyle Rudolph

Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings — Rudolph missed seven games in 2014, after missing eight games in 2013, and he was less than 100 percent healthy in a few other contests last year. The talent drop-off between him and Minnesota's other tight ends is dramatic, so Rudolph needs to stay on the field.

Rudolph missed seven games in 2014, after missing eight games in 2013, and he was less than 100 percent healthy in a few other contests last year. The talent drop-off between him and Minnesota's other tight ends is dramatic, so Rudolph needs to stay on the field.

4. LB Anthony Barr

Anthony Barr Minnesota Vikings

Advertisement

4. LB Anthony Barr

Anthony Barr Minnesota Vikings — It would usually be hard to put a second-year player on this list, but Barr's skill set sets him apart from Minnesota's other linebackers and the adds something to the defense that isn't easy to replace.

It would usually be hard to put a second-year player on this list, but Barr's skill set sets him apart from Minnesota's other linebackers and the adds something to the defense that isn't easy to replace.

3. FS Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith Minnesota Vikings

3. FS Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith Minnesota Vikings — The Vikings have a question mark at strong safety, with a training camp battle likely coming for the starting spot. Smith's combination of physical presence and a nose for the ball at free safety is a vital part of Mike Zimmer's defense, and the Vikings don't have another safety that brings those traits to the table.

The Vikings have a question mark at strong safety, with a training camp battle likely coming for the starting spot. Smith's combination of physical presence and a nose for the ball at free safety is a vital part of Mike Zimmer's defense, and the Vikings don't have another safety that brings those traits to the table.

2. C John Sullivan

John Sullivan Vikings

2. C John Sullivan

John Sullivan Vikings — An offensive line that was hampered by injuries and underachievement last year has a stabilizing force in Sullivan, who has 93 career starts under his belt with just three missed games since becoming a starter in 2009.

An offensive line that was hampered by injuries and underachievement last year has a stabilizing force in Sullivan, who has 93 career starts under his belt with just three missed games since becoming a starter in 2009.

1. QB Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater Minnesota Vikings

1. QB Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater Minnesota Vikings — If something happens to Bridgewater, Shaun Hill would have to start games this year for the Vikings. Frankly, I don't think I have anything else to add to the case for Bridgewater to be atop this list.

If something happens to Bridgewater, Shaun Hill would have to start games this year for the Vikings. Frankly, I don't think I have anything else to add to the case for Bridgewater to be atop this list.

Teams in this article »

Minnesota Vikings

Share On Facebook

Share