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Minnesota Vikings: Is Sharrif Floyd approaching bust status?

By Ryan Palmer

Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (73) tries to catch rain drops in his mouth during a break from training camp due to a weather delay at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (73) tries to catch rain drops in his mouth during a break from training camp due to a weather delay at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings thought they were getting a long term replacement for Viking’ legend Kevin Williams. It appears that search will continue however after Sharrif Floyd continues to miss game-after-game due to injuries.

In the green room of the 2013 NFL Draft Sharrif Floyd was slated to go in the top 10. The Minnesota Vikings thought they were getting a steal when he slipped down to pick 23, but his inconsistency to get on the playing field has hampered what was once a promising career.

After picking up Floyd’s fifth year option on his rookie deal, everyone was hopeful 2016 would be the year that the defensive tackle would shine. Instead he has only recorded 25 total snaps in two games.

When asked about Sharrif’s status (out) for the Green Bay game, Mike Zimmer’s quote said it all. “I’m kind of used to it.” Not exactly something you want your head coach saying about you.

Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY
Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY /

If Floyd’s already injury plagued 2016 continues, at what point do you put the former Florida Gator into the “bust” category?

Rick Spielman might be riding the Sam Bradford high as of late, but his 2013 first round draft selections might go down as some of the worst in team history. Spielman was wheeling and dealing that evening, eventually selecting three players in round 1.

Sharrif Floyd was the first pick at 23, followed by Xavier Rhodes (25), and Cordarrelle Patterson (29). Patterson’s struggles and lack of work ethic have been well documented. Rhodes still has a chance to come out as a star, but the door is closing quickly on both Patterson and Floyd.

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Sharrif Floyd responded to Coach Zim’s comment saying, “I got to get healthy,” continuing, “There’s nothing to it. (Zimmer’s) used to it. He hears it every week. It’s about time he stops hearing that. So I’ve just been trying to get back and get healthy.”

In the wake of Floyd’s absence, Shamar Stephen appears to be taking advantage of his prolonged playing time. The seventh round draft choice out of Connecticut forced a fumble versus the Packers, and might be on track to win the starting spot next to Linval Joseph. Stephen was himself bit by the injury bug last season, but he continues to work and recover while still logging game reps.

Is it a lack of mental toughness, or is Floyd just unlucky? Viking’ fans are hoping “the Sharrif” can regain Mike Zimmer’s confidence and return to that promising form he showed in 2014.

Next: Minnesota Vikings: The good, bad, and the ugly from Sunday

Minnesota is on the verge of a great year, and every member of the 53 man roster will be needed to contribute.

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