Ed Ingram and His PFF Evaluation: A Detailed Review

Ed Ingram, an NFL offensive guard drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of LSU, has been one of the league’s most discussed young linemen. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades have sparked debate among analysts, coaches, and fans, making him a fascinating case study in how on-field performance is measured versus how it is perceived.

College Background and Draft Profile

Ed Ingram PFF evaluations trace back to his LSU career, where he built a reputation as a strong, durable lineman with excellent run-blocking skills. He was part of the Tigers’ 2019 National Championship team and earned Second-team All-SEC honors, setting him up as a high-upside NFL prospect with a physical style of play.

Ed Ingram’s PFF grades

PFF Grades in the NFL

Rookie Season (2022)

Overall Grade: Low 50s
Pass Blocking: Struggled against interior pressure, allowing double-digit sacks and pressures.
Run Blocking: Showed flashes of strength, grading slightly better than his pass protection.

Second Season (2023–2024)

Overall Grade: Mid-50s (bottom third among starting guards)
Pass Block Grade: Around 49-50
Run Block Grade: Around 58-60
Pressures Allowed: More than 100 total pressures over two seasons — the most among NFL guards, though this reflects his high snap count as well as his inconsistencies.

Film Review vs. PFF Metrics

While PFF grades paint Ingram as one of the weaker starting guards in the league, film analysts and Vikings coaches have occasionally disagreed:

Coaches’ Perspective: Kevin O’Connell and other staff members have praised Ingram’s power and ability to engage defenders, noting clear improvement over time.
Analysts’ Perspective: Some breakdowns suggest PFF grading sometimes penalizes him for protection breakdowns caused by teammates or miscommunications, not his own missed assignments.

Fan and Media Reactions

Criticism: Early in his career, he was frequently targeted by fans for allowing quick interior pressure.
Recognition of Growth: By late 2023, Ingram showed improved technique and footwork, leading some fans to call him an “average starting guard” rather than a liability.
Ongoing Debate: Social media discussions often highlight the difference between statistical grading and visual evaluation of his performance.

A Fresh Start in Houston

In March 2025, Ingram was traded from the Vikings to the Houston Texans for a 2026 draft pick. In Houston, he’s expected to compete for a starting guard spot or provide strong depth on an offensive line seeking consistency. Familiarity with LSU teammates Derek Stingley Jr. and Austin Deculus may help ease his transition.

Conclusion

Ed Ingram’s PFF grades tell one story — a young lineman with significant pass-blocking issues — while game film and coaching insight tell another: a player with raw power, steady durability, and the potential to develop into a solid starter.

Strengths: Run blocking, physicality, high snap volume without major injuries.
Weaknesses: Interior pass protection, occasional misreads of stunts and blitzes.
Outlook: With a new environment in Houston and continued NFL experience, Ingram has a chance to prove whether his PFF numbers underrate his true ability or simply reflect a player still finding his footing.

Leadership