Vikings Roster Countdown: No. 67 Ed Ingram — Critical Year 2 For Struggling RG

Ingram had a woeful rookie season. Can he take a big step forward in his second year?

Author:
Will Ragatz
Publish date:
Jul 21, 2023 1:36 PM EDT

In this story:

Ahead of the Vikings' 2023 preseason, we'll be taking a look at every player on the 90-man roster, counting down from 99 to 0 (excluding the UDFAs, who we've already profiled). For every player, we'll look at the best and worst-case scenarios and their realistic outlook for the upcoming season.

No. 67: Ed Ingram, RG

Age: 24 | Size: 6'3", 307

Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Ed Ingram (67) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Vernon Butler (94) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In 2022, even with a new regime in place, the Vikings used a pick in the first two rounds on an offensive lineman for the fifth consecutive year. LSU's Ed Ingram — an immediate starter at right guard alongside the four other recent top picks — was supposed to be the fifth infinity stone to complete Thanos' gauntlet. That could still eventually be the case, but Ingram's rookie season was such a disaster that he heads into year two with everything to prove.

Ingram played every single offensive snap for the Vikings as rookie. Not because he was playing well, but because he was a second-round pick and the coaching staff clearly felt it didn't have anyone better. Ingram fit right into the Vikings' interior offensive line by playing well as a run-blocker and struggling mightily in pass protection. He earned a 42.6 PFF pass blocking grade that ranked 62nd out of 65 guards who played at least 500 snaps. Ingram allowed more pressures (63) than any other offensive lineman in football and surrendered 11 sacks, third-most in the league.

Ingram's solid 64.2 run blocking grade (25th of 65) brought his overall mark up to a 57, but the pass blocking was horrendous. He also stepped on Kirk Cousins' foot not once but multiple times, instantly ruining the play. The good news is that Ingram showed slight signs of progress throughout the year. In his first ten games, he had a pass blocking grade below 45 six times and never broke 61. In the final eight games (including playoffs), he was below 45 twice and had three pass blocking grades of at least 72.

Best-case scenario: Ingram's draft pedigree, athleticism, and the experience he gained in 2022 help him take a major year two leap. He becomes a very strong run-blocking guard and reaches above-average levels in pass pro, securing himself as the Vikings' right guard of the future.

Worst-case scenario: The leap doesn't happen and Ingram remains a major liability as a pass blocker. In that scenario, the Vikings may have to bring in some legitimate competition for Ingram in 2024 (or even midseason).

Outlook for 2023: This is a critical year for Ingram. He has the tools to take the year two leap, but it's hard to be overly optimistic after watching him play as a rookie. He's a big-time X-factor for this 2023 Vikings offense.

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