Vikings' Most Compelling Player Discussed in NFL Preseason Preview

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback battle is essentially over. The Vikings have named their starting quarterback in Kyler Murray after he beat out J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz for the starting job. McCarthy was once the most interesting story on the Vikings roster. And while still interesting, our focus shifts to other players on the team. One player slipping under the radar is Vikings safety-turned-linebacker Jamal Adams. The former standout safety is carving out a spot in the league at linebacker in a move that almost certainly would have surprised those familiar with his game when the transition to the second level first started. Now, with the Vikings, we will have a chance to see some of what his role will look like in Minnesota. What position he occupies could determine which Vikings players end up making the team and which may need to make a roster elsewhere. The Athletic's Alec Lewis discussed where Adams may play on his new team. Here's some of what Lewis wrote on Adams' new role. "Any time the Vikings infuse the roster with a versatile defender, it’s worth eyeing. Adams already switched numbers from 54 to 32, allowing him to line up at safety and all over the field. In practice, he’s blitzed effectively. Other times, he began far from the line of scrimmage as a deep safety and floated to the football. Where he plays is as interesting as how he plays. The 2017 No. 6 draft pick hasn’t started more than 10 games in a season since 2021. He is now almost four years removed from a torn left quad. It will be fascinating to see if he still has the spark in live games." Sep 26, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jamal Adams (33) prior to the game against Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports Shifting back to his old position will come with its own unique set of challenges. Adams did not forget how to play safety, so the mental game may not be as difficult for the talented defender. Concerns may start with the players he will match up against and the ground he will have to cover. It goes without saying safeties are responsible for more of the field than linebackers. Adams will have to do a little more running at the safety position, but it appears he is up for the challenge. The former Seahawks safety is perhaps the most compelling remaining story of the Vikings' preseason. We will keep an eye on how he does as the preseason progresses.