He may actually be the most versatile chess piece in the league. Since joining the Purple, Van Ginkel is one of three defenders with at least 10 sacks, 10 passes defended and 20 QB hits (also Brian Burns and Maxx Crosby). The only Vikings with more PBUs than Gink's 10 in that span are Byron Murphy, Jr., (16) and Harrison Smith (13). And the only person with more sacks than his 13.5 is Jonathan Greenard (14).
He's so good at so many things, luring offensive attention. And yet Van Ginkel forces offenses into errors.
Lewis shared that when Miami, formerly led by Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores, drafted Van Ginkel in the fifth round in 2019, the raw but budding talent immersed himself in the minutiae of Flores' scheme. Fast-forward to their 2024 reunion, and Van Ginkel's game-changing feats make more sense; he knows _why_ particular coverage calls work against particular quarterbacks, and _how_ his role affects them.
Lewis wrote the following:
_Van Ginkel became one of the primary ingredients in last year's defensive transformation. This year, the difference between Flores' defense when Van Ginkel is on the field and when he isn't is drastic. Minnesota's defense rises from 20th in the league in success rate to eighth when Van Ginkel is on the field._
Vikings outside linebackers coach Thad Bogardus relayed a key aspect of Van Ginkel's skill set to Lewis.
"I think one of the biggest things with him that you don't necessarily see is how he's able to make things right," he said. "It might not be the perfect communication. It might not be the perfect call. But his _feel_."
We recommend checking out Lewis' full article on the cyborg-like linebacker called Gink', [here](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6802316/2025/11/13/andrew-van-ginkel-vikings-unique-pick-six/).