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: Troy Dye
Rank: 52
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 225 lbs
Experience: 4 years
College: Oregon
Stats (In NFL): 45 games, 6 starts, 63 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 QB hit, 1 fumble recovery
Votes:
Tyler Forness: 52
Kevin Fielder: 53
Judd Zulgad: 50
Saivion Mixson: 52
Average: 51.75
Best case scenario
The idea of utilizing Dye’s length with the zero blitz strategy that Brian Flores will employ is a really good one. When he was selected, there was hope that Dye would become the eventual Anthony Barr replacement. With the change to a very aggressive style, Dye could become a valuable asset in sub packages.
Worst case scenario
The biggest issue with Dye as a player is his frame. While tall and long, only weighing 225 lbs is am issue. He struggles to get off blocks and gets washed out too often, even on special teams. That lack of development is concerning and could cost him a roster spot with three UDFA inside linebackers.
What to expect in 2023
Dye is a tough one. The Vikings brought in Troy Reeder and multiple UDFAs at the position because of the lack of success at the position across the board. Dye is also slightly more expensive than the UDFAs that the Vikings signed, which could signal his way out the door. I don’t think he makes the roster, especially with a player like Ivan Pace Jr. being such a great fit.
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
