EAGAN, Minn. — The 2024 Minnesota Vikings season may be temporarily marred by the recent injury to first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy. The one saving grace, besides the offense’s splashy playmakers, a seemingly rejuvenated Sam Darnold and happy-go-lucky optimism of Kevin O’Connell’s leadership?
The Brian Flores defense. There is Flores’ reputation, of course, as a scheming whiz brought up under Bill Belichick, forever bent on confusing quarterbacks due to unpredictable and pressure-heavy alignments. There are the hopeful prospects (Dallas Turner) and proven veterans (Stephon Gilmore) at premium positions. And then there is the secret weapon forged alongside the Sioux River at the heart of America.
Andrew Van Ginkel.
Signed to a two-year contract this spring, the 29-year-old began his career with the Miami Dolphins. And he’s listed at outside linebacker. But his half-decade of NFL experience in Florida masks the fact he was practically born and bred for the Midwest. His positional listing masks the fact he’s built to do it all, an admitted chess piece for a coordinator who prides himself on disguising his on-field pawns. And his first summer in purple has not masked but rather uncovered a homegrown selflessness.
Born and raised in Rock Valley, Iowa (population 4,000), Van Ginkel knows he was targeted by the Vikings for his versatility, which began in high school as he juggled quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker and safety roles, and continued as a rotational pass rusher for the Dolphins.
“I try to be a Swiss Army knife, and that’s ultimately why I’m here,” he told CBS Sports after Monday’s training camp practice. “Flo has a lot of respect for what I can do on the football field, to play multiple positions. Being able to know the whole defense allows me to play faster and play at different positions.”
One of several experienced free agents to join Flores’ unit, along with fellow…
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