The Minnesota Vikings are firmly entrenched in OTAs and are progressing toward training camp at TCO Performance Center. This will be the third season under head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and it's also a turning point in the future of the organization.
To prepare for the pivotal 2024 season, we will break down each player on the 90-man roster leading up to training camp. In this series, we will look into their background, scheme fit, best and worst case scenario along with what to expect from each player. It will also help gain more insight on each player going into the year, especially with players who haven't gotten much fanfare.
Can Taki Taimani make the roster at nose tackle?
Background
Taimani was a four-star recruit in the 2018 recruiting class. He spent four years with the Huskies before transferring to Oregon when Dan Lanning took over as head coach. That is also when Kalen DeBoer took over in Washington. During his college career, Taimani started 35 games and grew into a solid run stuffer in the middle. His senior season saw Taimani get 10 pressures as a pass rusher along with a 72.0 PFF grade.
Scheme fit
Taimani fits best as a nose tackle in Brian Flores' 3-4 scheme. With his versatility, you could move him across the defensive line, including potentially putting him in as a 2i or 3T with Harrison Phillips playing the nose tackle.
Best case scenario
With the lack of depth on the defensive line, Taimani thrives at nose tackle and is the run stopper that the Vikings thought they had with Khyiris Tonga after the 2022 season. Taimani excels early and often, even getting some run with the first team at nose tackle.
Worst case scenario
Nose tackle is a tough position to translate to in the NFL, especially since so much of it is technique-based. Despite having played six seasons in college, Taimani struggles with technique and that gets him washed out consistently.
What to expect in 2024
Taimani is an intriguing player at nose tackle. If he can figure things out quickly for the Vikings at the next level, it could end up working out really well for the Vikings.
They also have an in at Oregon with offensive line coach A'lique Terry, who was the Vikings assistant offensive line coach in 2022 and 2023. They likely had a conversation or two with Terry about prospects and it likely worked out since they guaranteed Taimani $95k and a $5k signing bonus.
Taimani will likely end up being a practice squad player right away who could see some elevations early on.
Previous player profiles
Devron Harper | Ty James | Trey Knox | Gabriel Murphy | Dwight McGlothern | Dallas Gant | Doug Nester | Jeshaun Jones
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