Secondary Help from a Familiar Place?

As we all know Coach Zimmer came from Cincinnati and there may be an answer next to Harrison Smith from Cincinnati. Both of the starting safeties from the Bengals will become unrestricted free agents this March and could help solidify that spot that seems to have been open since Harrison arrived.

George Iloka and Reggie Nelson both played under Zimmer in Cincinnati, Nelson from the time he arrived in 2010 to the time Zimmer left in 2013, and Iloka from 2012-2013. Both are different players that would complement Harrison Smith well and coming into a system they already know would allow Zimmer to get even more creative than he already has been.

Iloka is ranked the 26th best free agent available according to Pro Football Focus. The past 2 seasons he has graded positively in both run defense and in pass coverage, making him similar to Harrison Smith in being a well-rounded safety that can do it all.

He has caused 8 turnovers in 4 seasons (really only 3 because he saw very limited action his rookie season.) Having Iloka opposite Harrison Smith would allow Zimmer to disguise what his secondary is doing well because he would have 2 safeties who excel in both the run and the pass. His size at 6’4 225 pounds allows him to better cover the bigger receivers and tight

Nelson is ranked the 27th best free agent available according to Pro Football Focus. Nelson excels in pass coverage, and has had 30 interceptions including 8 this past season. Nelson could be that safety that plays the pass versus Harrison helping with the run. Nelson can also bring that veteran presence to the young group we have in the secondary being that 2016 will be his 10th season in the NFL.

Both have their positives and negatives. Iloka can give them more flexibility and has more upside to become elite next to an already elite safety in Harrison Smith. Nelson is more of a known commodity versus Iloka, but is also 32 years old and likely about to start hitting the downside of his career, but a short term deal for cheap with Nelson while grooming someone to pair with Harrison could be the best option on the market.

Newman worked out well for the Vikings this past season, but to expect him to repeat that this season at age 38 would be asking for too much. I think that another reunion with a former secondary player of Zimmer’s in Cincinnati would be one the best things the Vikings could do via free agency this offseason.