This Vikings Rookie Will Be a Heavy Contributor Right Away

The Minnesota Vikings draft class has yet to test its mettle, but the organization had a clear intention with it. They prioritized infusing the defense with young talent with very high upside in hopes that Brian Flores can get the most out of them. It’s not a bad bet to make.

Yet, behind the Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas, and Charles Demmings selections to aid the defensive side of the ball, there was a very “low-key” addition by the Vikings at 159th overall. Minnesota lost a leader and captain with C.J. Ham, even though he played the fullback position.

Well, forget what you heard. The fullback position is still alive and well, baby.

Vikings Rookie FB Max Bredeson Has Big Shoes to Fill

Depending on where you did your draft research, you might’ve thought Max Bredeson was a tight end. After all, the ESPN broadcast of the draft even listed him as a tight end. While Bredeson is going to be deployed most often as a fullback, it’s not completely wrong that he could be used as a tight end.

Bredeson could absolutely be used at tight end in 12- or 13-personnel in the run game, and maybe even haul in a small handful of catches every season as C.J. Ham did. While his offerings to the Vikings won’t show up much on the scoreboard, they will show up in the fine print. Bredeson is going to be doing a lot of dirty work on the field, and a lot of leading in the locker room. While no one can really be a 1-for-1 C.J. Ham replacement, Bredeson’s play and personality could make him a worthy successor.

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis shared a few thoughts on Max Bredeson, proclaiming that the “Vikings drafted Bredeson with a purpose.” He also shares where Bredeson could excel in the Vikings’ offense, noting that he can “bury” opposing defenders, implying his effectiveness in the run game as a lead-man. Lewis also says that Bredeson can “master protection rules”, which will go a long way in obvious passing downs for Minnesota, just like the ones that C.J. Ham would be placed in the backfield for.

Max Bredeson is a Lost Brand of Football Player

Dane Brugler, author of The Beast, shared that Max Bredeson’s brand of football best fits the old style of game. His exact words were that Bredeson “fits the mold of a smashmouth, no-nonsense blocker that was an integral part of NFL football 30 years ago — but not as much in the modern game.” He also praises what Max Bredeson brings to the table, using the universally loved word “versatility. “

Bruger also noted that former Michigan Wolverine Rayshaun Benny, now a Baltimore Raven, used to watch Max Bredeson highlights to “get jacked up”. As a fullback in the modern game, that’s likely a welcome sentiment and compliment of your game.

Max Bredeson is going to bring the Vikings his worth immediately. I commonly linked him with the team in mock drafts during the draft process, only I didn’t think they would come together in the fifth round. Still, a good player is a good player, and a contributor is a contributor.

Bredeson will likely be a fan favorite very soon in the Twin Cities, and his bring-your-lunch-pail brand of football will be refreshing yet nostalgic.