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 while also being 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 Walter Rouse be a future starter?
Background
Rouse was a three-star recruit out of Washington D.C. in the 2019 recruiting class and spent four years at Stanford. He earned his degree in biomechanical engineering before transferring to Oklahoma for his final season. During the 2023 campaign, Rouse didn't allow a single sack in 483 pass-blocking reps. The offense at Stanford used a lot of similar blocking concepts to what Rouse will do in the NFL and his time at Oklahoma helped him evolve his game with different concepts. Rouse opened the eyes of Ryan Grigson at the East-West Shrine Game and ended up being a sixth-round NFL Draft pick.
"He was one of the first guys who popped, really, just because he's so big and he has [good] feet. He wasn't perfect, but there's a lot to work with – a lot of tools that [Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper] can work with. And [Vikings General Manager] Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah] really liked him, Kup' really liked him, I liked him, and the scouts liked him. There was collective buy-in on him.
"I think he bends [well]. He doesn't get knocked backwards. That's one. Two of his highest traits were his feet and the ability to not get knocked back by power," Grigson added. "I think there's even a chance he could play guard at some point, but right now, I think he's a guy who could, in a year, be a really good tackle. So it's nice to get him in the fray."
Scheme fit
The Vikings like to be multiple in the running game but focus mainly on zone concepts. Rouse can do a little bit of both for the Vikings, including climbing to the second level when necessary. In the passing game, Rouse thrives with straight on rushers with ability to maneuver and cover the outside.
Best case scenario
Without much competition on the outside, Rouse takes advantage of the multitude of reps he receives and thrives on the outside. He shows more foot speed than he did at both Oklahoma and Stanford, providing a better blueprint for the Vikings reserve offensive linemen.
Worst case scenario
The stiffness displayed by Rouse at Oklahoma and Stanford becomes a major problem during the preseason and training camp. Said stiffness has him struggling to kick step outside and block speed rushers which becomes a major issue.
What to expect in 2024
The Vikings haven't made a major investment into the offensive line depth on the outside. David Quessenberry is the only veteran offensive tackle that the Vikings have behind both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill. That gives Rouse ample opportunity to get snaps early and often.
Can Rouse be a quality player for the Vikings? He certainly has the frame and intelligence for the position. Developing in other areas, mainly flexibility, will be key to unlocking his potential. Being the fourth offensive tackle is his likely spot but don't be surprised if Rouse ends up starting at right tackle in 2026 and beyond. The Vikings see something in him and O'Neill's is about to turn next September.
Previous player profiles
Devron Harper | Ty James | Trey Knox | Gabriel Murphy | Dwight McGlothern | Dallas Gant | Doug Nester | Jeshaun Jones | Taki Taimani | Jeremy Flax | Spencer Rolland | Tyler Manoa | Bo Richter | Jaren Hall | Lucky Jackson | K.J. Cloyd | Levi Drake Rodriquez | Michael Jurgens
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