Joshua

Metellus

The deal keeps Metellus attached to the Vikings through the 2028 season. Metellus, a former No. 205 overall pick, was initially waived by the Vikings before being brought back on a team-friendly contract, only to earn a pay jump and more security through his play on the field. He heads into the 2025 season a seasoned starter for Brian Flores’ defense.

The No. 205 overall pick of the draft, players like Metellus usually get the 53-man roster benefit of the doubt, but the Vikings had one of the biggest draft classes in NFL history. There were always going to be casualties. Metellus will be first in line for a practice squad spot. Although he is still only 22, Metellus is not a plus athlete by NFL standards.

Metellus (5’11/209) was a three-year starting strong safety at Michigan who earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a senior after recording 74 tackles and two interceptions. An overly aggressive safety with a compact frame, Metellus was better as a downhill tackler than in pass coverage. His instincts and first step need to improve to see passing-downs snaps in the NFL, especially because he only has 39th percentile Adjusted SPARQ athleticism and 4.55 speed. While below-average as a coverage safety, Metellus may be a productive player against the run and on special teams based on his physicality.

Metellus (5’11/209) was a three-year starting strong safety at Michigan who earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a senior after recording 74 tackles and two interceptions. An overly aggressive safety with a compact frame, Metellus was better as a downhill tackler than in pass coverage. His instincts and first step need to improve to see passing-downs snaps in the NFL, especially because he only has 39th percentile Adjusted SPARQ athleticism and 4.55 speed. While below-average as a coverage safety, Metellus may be a productive player against the run and on special teams based on his physicality.

Metellus (5'11/209) has been named as an All-Big Ten performer three times while racking up 186 tackles, 14 PBU, 9.0 sacks and five interceptions in his collegiate career. Metellus is billed as a strong tackler with a sniper mentality across the middle. His versatility will help him provide value to a defensive backfield but he experienced some struggles in coverage last season. He has trouble keeping up with speedier wide receivers and is on the small side for box duty. Zierlein views Metellus as a quality backup at the NFL level who can play multiple positions.

Metellus ranked 11th among the “true” safeties who ran in the event, and he also had a solid vertical jump at 36.5 inches, and a respectable 124-inch broad jump. The 5-foot-11, 209-pound defender also was among the top defensive backs with 20 bench press reps. Compared to Chuck Clark by Lance Zierlein, Metellus projects as a box-safety at the highest level.

Metellus (6'0/204) has been a stalwart for the Michigan secondary, so it’s not a surprise to see him get an invitation to the prestigious event. He’s picked off two passes, and he also has 3.5 tackles of loss and 47 overall tackles for the Wolverines in his senior campaign. Depending on testing -- and who declares -- it wouldn’t be a surprise if Metellus was one of the first safeties off the board in 2020; although it’s worth pointing out that the position is not one of the strengths of the class.

Metellus (6'0/204) allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete just 41.8% of their passes last season, and his passer rating allowed of 34.3 was by far the best in the Big Ten. Second on the list was Stanley Green of Illinois, who allowed a passer rating of 40.1. Metellus is just one part of a Michigan secondary that should be very good this fall, with corner Lavert Hill also expected to stand out.

Michigan will get both Metellus (6'0/204) and CB Lavert Hill back in 2019, so it’s a much better day for the Wolverines than yesterday was. Metellus had a quality junior season, grabbing three interceptions and making 47 total tackles, but he must have received negative feedback after requesting a draft grade from the NFL. With Shea Patterson also returning at quarterback, expectations for Michigan next year will obviously be high.

Metellus left the game in the first half, with team trainers taking him back to the locker room for further evaluation. He’s one of three Michigan players who were able to return in the second half after leaving in the first due to injury, with TE Nick Eubanks and WR Donovan Peoples-Jones being the others.