Welcome to the beginning of our 2023 season preview content!
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at each player on the roster in-depth with backgrounds and how they currently project forward on the Minnesota Vikings roster.
What is the best-case scenario? What is the worst-case scenario? What should we expect from them during the preseason and beyond? We will break all of that down here.
As a staff, all of us at Vikings Wire ranked the entire 90-man roster 1-90 and will be releasing player profiles in reverse order.
Background
Name: Calvin Avery
Rank: 65
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 325 lbs
Experience: Rookie
College: Illinois
Stats (at Illinois): 55 games, 75 total tackles (37 solo), 7 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF
Votes:
Tyler Forness: 64
Kevin Fielder: 63
Judd Zulgad: 65
Saivion Mixson: 64
Average: 64
Best case scenario
Calvin Avery is an intriguing prospect because of his size. At 325 pounds, Avery can be a lethal space eater in the NFL, which will help him find the field early. While Avery doesn’t have some elite pass-rushing tools, his physicality will translate into the NFL.
Worst case scenario
Avery is a typical space eater, which could prevent his chances of getting on the Vikings’ 53-man roster. While taking up space can be beneficial, it severely limits Avery’s chances to make an impact because he likely won’t see many third-down snaps. That alone could see Avery looking on from the outside.
What to expect in 2023
Expect nothing, but not because Avery isn’t talented. Space eaters have proven beneficial in Brian Flores’ defense, and Avery is the only interior defensive lineman who fits that role. However, Avery was still an undrafted free agent and faces an uphill climb to make the 53-man roster.
If Avery does make the roster, expect him to play immediately. Even if it’s just a few downs every game, Avery’s size could allow him to command multiple gaps for the defense.
Previous player profiles
90-Garett Maag
89-Jack Podlesny
88-Zach Ojile
87-NaJee Thompson
86-Thayer Thomas
85-Sam Schluter
84-Jaelyn Williams
83-Jacky Chen
82-Cephus Johnson III
81-C.J. Coldon Jr.
80-Junior Aho
79-Malik Knowles
78-Abraham Beauplan
77-Wilson Huber
76-Lucky Jackson
75-Andre Carter II
74-Curtis Weaver
73-T.J. Smith
72-Alan Ali
71-Josh Sokol
70-Blake Proehl
69-John Reid
68-Trishton Jackson
67-Kalon Barnes
66-Calvin Avery
