THRILLING: Five Vikings make ESPN’s list of the top 100 most valuable players in 2023…

Five members of the Vikings have earned spots on the recently released ranking of the top 100 most valuable players of the 2023 NFL season by ESPN’s Seth Walder. Walder’s methodology for creating the list involves a purely descriptive approach, focusing solely on the value generated by players during the regular season. The rankings incorporate quantitative evidence, such as pass block win rates and receiver tracking metrics, alongside qualitative factors like all-pro teams and Pro Football Focus grades. Walder also sought feedback from trusted colleagues and NFL team staff to refine the list, emphasizing the importance of considering a player’s value relative to an average starter at their position.

The following five Vikings players secured positions on the list:

1. No. 55: RT Brian O’Neill (6th among offensive tackles)
2. No. 70: OLB Danielle Hunter (12th among EDGE players)
3. No. 86: LT Christian Darrisaw (11th among offensive tackles)
4. No. 88: WR Justin Jefferson (14th among wide receivers)
5. No. 90: S Josh Metellus (3rd among safeties)

While it is widely acknowledged that Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson are the Vikings’ most valuable players, their injuries in the 2023 season limited their overall impact. Notably, Justin Jefferson’s ability to break into the top 100 despite missing a significant portion of the season is a remarkable feat, especially considering his fifth overall ranking in the 2022 version of the list. Hunter and Darrisaw are argued to deserve higher placements, while O’Neill’s position is attributed to ESPN’s favoritism towards his win rate models. The inclusion of Metellus in the top 100, among only three safeties, is highlighted for his outstanding performance, versatility, and significant contribution to the Vikings in the 2023 season.