Summary

Andrew Van Ginkel was selected in the 5th Round (#151 Overall) in the 2019 Draft out of University of Wisconsin. Van Ginkel is a versatile edge defender with strong pass‑rush production, excellent athletic traits, and emerging leadership. His major strengths are his ability to generate pressure, length and speed, and versatility in the front. His primary limitations are his relative lack of elite bulk/anchor strength for power rush scenarios, some gaps in run‑defense consistency, and the challenge of sustaining every‑down performance. But if the positive trajectory continues, he could be a cornerstone piece for the Vikings’ defense for years to come.

Strengths

• Disruptive pass‑rush production & frequent pressures

  In his 2024 season with the Vikings, Van Ginkel recorded 11.5 sacks and was among the league’s more effective edge rushers. His PFF pressure totals (49 pressures in 2024) placed him near the upper tier of edge defenders. PFF

• Length, athleticism & motor

  Scouts noted his long arms, good bend around the edge, and relentless pursuit when his first move didn’t succeed. His agility and quickness allow him to bend the corner and work through blockers rather than just relying on raw strength.

• Versatile role & run‑attack willingness

  He has shown ability to set the edge, string plays to the sideline, and make run‑defensive stops, making him more than just a pure pass rusher. In 2024, he logged 79 total tackles, showing his willingness and ability to be involved beyond just pass rush. RotoWire

• Emerging leader & contract recognition

  His breakout 2024 earned him a contract extension with the Vikings, signifying the team’s belief in his value.

Weaknesses

• Functional strength / anchor vs power blockers

  Early scouting reports flagged that while his frame and length were promising, he needed to add more bulk/functional strength to consistently dominate against larger offensive tackles and when confronted with double‑teams. In run defense, there were times when he could be washed upfield or lose leverage in downhill plays.

• Run‑defense grade & consistency in gap discipline

  Although improved, his run‑defense grade in 2024 was 59.4 (per PFF), which ranked only about middle of the pack among edge defenders. PFF This suggests while he can make plays, there are still situational gaps in his run‑fit responsibilities or consistency when the offense attacks his side with power.

• Role clarity vs full‑time every‑down usage

  Early in his career, Van Ginkel had fewer full‑time starts and more rotational/boundary roles. Some questions lingered about whether he was better as a specialist rather than a locked‑in every‑down edge from the outset. As he transitions into a more featured role with the Vikings, maintaining high snap‑counts and consistent performance will be key.

• Durability / wear concerns

  • Although not a major red‑flag, durability is always a consideration for edge players. Keeping health and availability at a high level matters for his long‑term trajectory.

Fit & Outlook

Van Ginkel fits very well in modern defensive schemes that emphasize press‑rush aggression, multiple‑front versatility, and sub‑packages where an edge can pin his ears back. With the Vikings, his role likely includes high snap counts, EDGE alignments, stunts, and blitzes, giving him freedom to use his athleticism. If Van Ginkel continues to tighten up his run‑defense consistency, add strength to his anchor, and maintain his pass‑rush production, his ceiling is as a high‑end starting edge defender—potentially Pro Bowl level. If his improvement stalls or if he struggles with bigger blockers or heavy run‑teams, his role may plateau as a very good but not elite edge.