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: Brandon Powell
Rank: 46
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 188 lbs
Experience: 6th year
College: Florida
Stats (In NFL): 44 games, 8 starts, 47 receptions, 354 yards, 2 touchdowns, 20 rushes, 91 yards, 57 kick returns, 1,199 yards, 65 yard long, 49 punt returns, 470 yards, 1 touchdown, 57 yard long
Votes:
Tyler Forness: 41
Kevin Fielder: 42
Judd Zulgad: 49
Saivion Mixson: 46
Average: 44.5
Best case scenario
Since the departure of Marcus Sherels, the punt returner position has been a turnstile. That isn’t what you want from a position that can alter a game in a second. Last season, Jalen Reagor fumbled on four punt returns, so a capable showing in that area will be an upgrade for the Vikings.
On offense, Powell is at best a capable slot receiver but is mostly used as a gadget player. He can do a little bit of everything, which will help the Vikings in their quest to grow the offense.
Worst case scenario
Size will be a concern for Powell. When Kevin O’Connell runs 11 personnel, the goal is to have three wide receivers with the ability to block. Powell won’t bring you that. He has three fumbles in 170 career touches, which isn’t the best ratio. With a lot of competition at punt returner, Powell could be washed out by the competition due to no fault of his own.
What to expect in 2023
Powell has played for O’Connell before and that camaraderie and chemistry will help him make the team. The Vikings have a need at punt returner and Powell will likely win that job unless a UDFA like Malik Knowles shows out in a major way during camp. Expect Powell to make the roster as the punt returner and the fifth or sixth wide receiver.
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-Benton Whitley
65-Calvin Avery
64-Theo Jackson
63-William Kwenkeu
62-Sheldon Day
61-Tay Gowan
60-Ross Blacklock
59-Vederian Lowe
58-Jaren Hall
57-Nick Muse
56-Ivan Pace, Jr
55-Jalen Reagor
54-Luiji Vilain
53-Austin Schlottmann
52-Troy Dye
51-Olisaemeka Udoh
50-Nick Mullens
49-Kene Nwangwu
48-DeWayne McBride
47-Jaquelin Roy
46-Jay Ward
