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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Ben Gedeon

At first glance, Gedeon might be quite forgettable despite being a starting linebacker. Since the Vikings spend a lot of time in the nickel defense with an extra defensive back on the field, Gedeon didn’t play a lot of defensive snaps. However, when he did play, he was solid.

Pro Football Reference has Gedeon playing only 24.54% of defensive snaps last year, but the rookie was rarely a liability after being plugged in for the retiring Chad Greenway, which is some big shoes to fill.

Despite being a solid linebacker, Gedeon makes an impression on special teams, where he was a part of 368 snaps (82.14% of all special teams plays), the most of any player from Minnesota during the 2017 season.

The Vikings love players who can do multiple things well. Ben Gedeon may not be turning heads as a linebacker, but his isn’t making mistakes to cost the team and can provide help in multiple ways, making him an important part of the team going forward.

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