Scott Crichton: Vikings DE is grinding hard (Video)

If you were to make a list of under-the-radar Vikings who could have a huge impact in 2015, second-year DE Scott Crichton would have to be right at the top.

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After doing basically nothing as a rookie in 2014, Crichton is expected to be a major part of the defensive line rotation in his second season

With Brian Robison getting older and not getting any better at beating blockers with anything but speed rush moves, the hope is that Crichton can step up and become a major contributor at left defensive end, where the Vikings could use more of a run stopper.

Last year with the miscast Robison playing most of the snaps at LDE, the Vikings had a hard time stopping running plays to that side.

Crichton was drafted in the 3rd round last year and was expected to contribute at least a little bit right away, but remained a non-factor most of the season.

Coaches think Crichton was adversely affected by having to miss offseason activities while he fulfilled his academic requirements back at Oregon State. The staff thinks that Crichton will be much better with a full offseason under his belt.

And what has Crichton been doing with that offseason time? Some of it has been spent working on strength and footwork with trainer Anthony Watkins.

A video posted to Watkins’ Instagram account shows the kind of stuff Crichton has been up to.

A bigger, quicker Scott Crichton might have a great shot to bump Brian Robison right out of his starting job in training camp.

Remember that Robison will come in somewhat behind the 8 ball thanks to a strained pec that kept him out of OTAs and minicamp.

Next: Will Vikings make run at Evan Mathis?

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