Re-grading the Minnesota Vikings’ 2016 rookie class

Round 4

Willie Beavers – OT (Western Michigan)

Beavers was a bit of a surprise pick by the Vikings in the fourth round. Not because Minnesota didn’t need an offensive tackle, but because many saw him coming off the board at least one round later.

Beavers never did much of anything for the Vikings. He appeared in two games during his rookie season, but then he was cut the following year.

Beavers did get picked up by the New England Patriots, but couldn’t make their roster either. Minnesota did end bringing him back to the practice squad in 2017 and they then quickly let him go again after just one week.

Beavers had a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks and he is currently signed to a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears.

No way around this one, Beavers was a big swing and miss by Vikings general manager Rick Spielman in 2016.

Grade: 0/2

Round 5

Kentrell Brothers – LB (Missouri)

Brothers hasn’t done much as a linebacker during his time with Minnesota. What he has become though is a solid special teams player for the Vikings.

Brothers has appeared in 38 games during his career since Minnesota drafted him, which is impressive for a fifth-round choice. He has played a little defense in spot duty and he has accumulated a total of 32 tackles and one sack in his time with the Vikings.

Some thought Brothers would have gone earlier in the 2016 draft and it is disappointing that he hasn’t been able to become a more productive NFL linebacker after having an impressive college career at Missouri.

Grade: 0.75/1