Minnesota Vikings: Five players flying under the radar

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Cooper Kupp #18 of the Los Angeles Rams fumbles the ball on the goal line in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on November 19, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Anthony Harris #41 of the Minnesota Vikings recovered the ball. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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Nick Easton

Let’s be honest, praising the offensive line after a somewhat disappointing season in creating holes in the run game and protecting the passer seems a little odd, but what Nick Easton does for the team needs to be recognized.

The Vikings paid a lot of money to bring in Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers last year and spent a high draft pick on center Pat Elflein to improve the line. Yet, it was Easton who proved to be the most reliable pass blocker on the team.

Pro Football Focus revealed that in 401 snaps played that Easton only allowed three quarterback hits and nine hurries, earning him an amazing score of 97.8 when it comes to his pass protection skills. Plus, his PFF grades for both pass and run blocking increased last year from previous seasons, meaning there is definite potential for more growth.

Easton does need to improve his run blocking in order to be a more complete lineman, but consistent play next to Reiff and Elflein and continuing his stellar work in pass protection place his value higher than most fans give him credit for.

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