Rookie Georgia DL stealing first team reps sooner than expected

The transition from college football to the NFL can be a difficult one for many players. Former Georgia football stars however tend to be more ready than players from other programs.

Georgia routinely has a few rookies who immediately become starters the second they arrive in the NFL, and that could be the case with defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins with the Minnesota Vikings.

Georgia DL is making his case to become a starter as a rookie

Ingram-Dawkings was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 139 pick by the Minnesota Vikings. Being drafted at any point in the draft is a big deal, but typically fifth round selections do not play with the starters during their rookie seasons.

Ingram-Dawkins however is proving to be an outlier as he is reportedly already getting a lot of run with the first team defense throughout training camp with the Vikings. The above report does share that he may not be a full time starter just yet, but there are certain instances where he is getting more run with the starters. This includes in early down settings and situations where Minnesota may want more of a pass rush.

Ingram-Hawkins spent four seasons at Georgia where he was a small contributor on the two National Championship teams. His production however began to ramp up during his junior season in 2023 before reaching its peak last year when he recorded 19 total tackles. Ingram-Dawkins also recorded eight tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble during the 2024 season as well.

It remains to be seen how his rookie season plays out, but there is a lot of hope that Ingram-Dawkins could be a regular contributor for the Vikings this year. And in a loaded division like the NFC North, Minnesota will need him to have as big of an impact as possible from day one if they want to compete for the division crown.