The Vikings renewed their squad last season and have had mixed results because of that.
The defense and special teams fought hard when the team finished 7-9. Minnesota had to play with younger players and, as a result, experienced some inconsistency and regression.
It wasn’t all bad. There were some promising players for the Vikings who could take on bigger roles in 2021 and thrive. Here are three possible players who could do just that:
TE Tyler Conklin
Photo: AP Photo / Brett Duke
Conklin was sometimes the Vikings’ second tight end when Kyle Rudolph was absent. Now Minnesota may have to part ways with Rudolph this offseason due to his big contract.
If so, expect Irv Smith Jr. and Conklin to be the beneficiaries. Minnesota fans have seen what Smith Jr. can do as a solid receiving option. Conklin can also be a big factor.
S Josh Metellus
Photo: AP Photo / Bruce Kluckhohn
Vikings relied heavily on Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith in 2020 and 2019.
Harris is a free agent for the second time in other seasons. But now, it looks like Minnesota probably won’t have enough money to keep it going this time.
Metellus may not be a starter in 2021. However, it seems likely that if the team has to replace Harris, the security that comes in will not be as well known. This means that even if Metellus is not the holder, he will probably have to play a lot more because one of the security guards is less established.
BY DJ Wonnum
Photo: Jeff Hanisch / USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota pass race was horrible last season, but there were some good points.
Wonnum had a promising rookie campaign, for example. He ended up with three bags at 420 pressures. He will possibly get a spot in the initial defensive end in 2021 if he makes strides.
One criticism of Wonnum is that he gets cleaning bags and other big moves after the quarterback really had the time to do it. However, he was just a newbie in 2020 and he should have an easier time with Danielle Hunter in front of him.