Minnesota Vikings defensive back Josh Metellus has been a backup safety and special teams ace in his first three seasons in the NFL, but Minnesota's new defensive staff made a clear effort to find him a place to play this offseason. Metellus worked extensively as the slot cornerback in the team's nickel set during offseason practices. Harrison Smith and Cam Bynum appear set as the starting safeties, but Metellus looked comfortable at nickel, and it's clear that the Vikings hope to see him on the field regularly this fall. The 25-year-old former sixth-rounder in 2020 out of Michigan has accumulated 64 tackles (48 solo), an interception, six passes defensed and two fumble recoveries in 48 games (three starts) so far in his first three seasons with the Vikes, but he looks primed for his biggest role yet in Year 4.
Vikings Take Josh Metellus With Second Sixth-Round Pick
The Minnesota Vikings selected Michigan safety Josh Metellus with the 205th overall pick in the sixth round, their second pick of the round. Metellus is stocky at 5-foot-11, 209 pounds, but he still has solid athleticism. The big thing with him is that he has the versatility to play anywhere at the second level or the deep middle of the field. Metellus had 74 tackles and two interceptions in his final season in college in 13 games, but he'll need to work on his pre-snap reads and taking better angles to his targets.
