2022 feels like a make or break year for the Vikings. The division is weak, the top receiver has fled to the west, and they stole Green Bay’s top pass rusher. It’s the perfect storm to win the division. While the three other teams in the division are wounded, the Vikings success hinders on a handful of players. You can count on Harrison Smith, Dalvin Cook, and Justin Jefferson doing their job, but what about players that need to breakout if they want to stay on the team? Here are three players on the Vikings that need to prove they’re worth it in 2022.

Center Garrett Bradbury

If I was Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, my first move would have been to cut Garrett Bradbury. I guess that’s why I’m not the Vikings general manger, though. Kwesi is a more level-headed individual than me. I loved the Bradbury addition in the 2019 NFL Draft, but I think that was the last time I liked him. He is weak in the run game and gets displaced with ease by nose tackles. In his three NFL seasons, Bradbury has an average PFF grade of 59.9%. To go with that, he’s allowed 11 sacks and committed 20 penalties. It’s time for Bradbury to put up or shut up. Vikings fans are sick and tired of watching him get bullied game after game.

Defensive End Danielle Hunter

When he’s healthy, Danielle Hunter is a top five pass rusher in the NFL. However, that’s where the issue lies. Hunter has played four complete seasons in seven years with the Vikings and between the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he has only played seven games. While Hunter is a tremendously talented player, he wants to be paid like an elite level pass rusher like the Bosa brothers or Maxx Crosby. He’s coming off a torn pec from last season, and this year will be make or break Hunter getting an extension. When I’ve seen him on the field, the 27 year-old has played in an elite manner, I just want to see more of him. In 85 career games, he’s tallied 60.5 sacks and 314 tackles.

Cornerback Cam Dantzler

I want Bradbury to play better. I want Hunter to stay healthy. I have a different thought process towards Dantzler. I really want him to take the next step as a player. With Patrick Peterson being older, a Dantzler and Booth corner combo could be on the rise. The Vikings just need Dantzler to excel in 2022 and become more efficient. Last season, he improved in both tackles and pass breakups from his rookie season which is a step in the right direction.

When Peterson retires, Dantzler will need to be able to guard big time play makers like Davante Adams or Cooper Kupp. I’m excited to see how he plays this season. I have a very good feeling about Dantzler as CB2 on a good Vikings defense.