Joe Rondone / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Vikings' biggest calculated risk could pay off in major way thanks to Brian Flores

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated May 28, 2025 5:05 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings have made multiple calculated bets during the tenure of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The biggest bets have been with players who were previously injured.

This year, they invested heavily into multiple players who were previously injured, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman named as the bounceback candidate for the Vikings

Hargrave played just 104 snaps in 2024 before a torn triceps sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In the three years prior, he posted a 92.4 pass-rush grade, a 13.2% pressure rate and a 16.6% pass-rush win rate, all of which ranked in the top four among qualified interior defenders over that span. He now joins a Minnesota defensive front that finished 29th in pass-rush grade from interior defenders last season. Hargrave should have plenty of opportunities to make his presence felt in 2025.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's bet on Javon Hargrave could pay off

Hargrave was a very good player before he injured his triceps last year, as Wasserman mentioned. Despite being 32 years old, there are still going to be opportunities for Hargrave to be a force on the pass rush. One thing that's going to help his cause is how much the Vikings are likely to rely on him.

Adding Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to the fold will maximize what defensive coordinator Brian Flores wants to do. Plus, with how much Flores likes to use the NASCAR package with four edge rushers, they likely won't be playing Hargrave a significant amount of snaps.

Plus, the depth on the defensive line will allow Hargrave to get proper rest consistently. There is a chance you see Hargrave used mostly as a designated pass rusher, which is where he thrives.

Keep an eye out for Hargrave this year, as Flores will find a way to maximize him.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: