Andrew Van Ginkel: A Vital Addition to Minnesota’s Defensive Arsenal
As the NFL’s 2024 free-agency period kicked off, the Minnesota Vikings made swift moves to bolster their defensive lineup, securing the services of Andrew Van Ginkel among others. Notably, Vikings’ Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores had previously coached Van Ginkel during his tenure as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, where the player was drafted in 2019.
Van Ginkel explodes out of his stance and executes a cross chop to get around the RT. He's a beat late to impact the throw. pic.twitter.com/XvQw6PADBp
— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) March 26, 2024
Van Ginkel is set to assume a role on the Vikings’ roster akin to what D.J. Wonnum filled for much of the previous season, functioning as their agile edge rusher. Flores, known for his defensive strategies, demands versatility from this position, requiring the player to excel in pass rushing, hold his ground against offensive tackles and tight ends in run defense, and even drop back into coverage as per the defensive play call.
While Wonnum excelled as a traditional edge rusher, Van Ginkel brings a skill set more finely attuned to this multifaceted role. Despite experiencing fluctuations in his playing time under Flores and subsequently under the guidance of Josh Boyer post-Flores era in Miami, Van Ginkel showcased notable growth, culminating in an impressive 91.1 PFF grade in 2023 under Vic Fangio.
Physically, Van Ginkel defies the conventional mold of NFL edge rushers. Standing at 241 lbs. with 32.5″ arms, he falls short of the size benchmarks set by many teams for edge players. Nevertheless, Van Ginkel has effectively overcome these limitations to establish himself in the NFL, eventually securing a lucrative two-year, $20 million contract after initially signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins.
Andrew Van Ginkel got $10M guaranteed at signing from the #Vikings: $7M signing bonus, a fully guaranteed $1.78M base this year and $1M of his $10.78M base guaranteed for 2025.
Another $3M of his 2025 base is guaranteed for injury now, with full g’tees 3rd day of ‘25 LY
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) March 19, 2024
Approaching his 29th birthday in July, Van Ginkel is arguably at the pinnacle of his NFL career. With substantial experience in Minnesota’s defensive scheme, there’s little uncertainty regarding his fit within the team. To delve deeper into what Van Ginkel brings to the table, a comprehensive analysis of his performance was conducted through reviewing game footage.
Pass Rush
Van Ginkel’s explosive initial burst puts significant pressure on opposing tackles, complemented by an array of counters. Notable improvements in his pass rush technique were evident in the 2023 games compared to his earlier performances. While he struggled against formidable opponents like Trent Williams and Garett Bolles in 2020, his refined technique showcased progress, particularly with inside counters and spin moves.
His effectiveness extends beyond one-on-one situations; Van Ginkel also excels in creating disruption when stunting, often forcing quarterbacks into hurried throws or interceptions. However, concerns linger regarding his ability to consistently generate pressure, attributed partially to a lack of bend and lower body flexibility.
Van Ginkel explodes out of his stance and executes a cross chop to get around the RT. He's a beat late to impact the throw. pic.twitter.com/XvQw6PADBp
— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) March 26, 2024
Run Defense
Despite his smaller stature, Van Ginkel exhibits tenacity and discipline in run defense. He displays sound gap integrity and aggressiveness against pullers, effectively neutralizing blockers and disrupting run lanes. His quickness off the ball allows him to outmaneuver blockers, and he demonstrates proficiency in shedding blocks, particularly when facing tight ends.
Nevertheless, challenges arise when matched against larger linemen, as Van Ginkel can be overpowered and displaced from his assigned gap, compromising his effectiveness.
Conclusion
Andrew Van Ginkel emerges as a valuable asset to the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive unit, bringing a blend of versatility, energy, and determination. While he may not fit the conventional mold of an NFL edge rusher, his adaptability and commitment to both pass rushing and run defense make him a crucial component of the team’s defensive strategy.
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