Minnesota’s 2019 rookie class is only getting better
During last spring’s NFL Draft, the Vikings selected a total of 12 players. Of these 12 picks, Minnesota is getting great contributions from a handful of them this season.
Rookie center Garrett Bradbury has seemed to improve each week and he’s played a big part in the progression of the Vikings’ offensive line this year. Even though he’s behind Dalvin Cook on the depth chart, rookie running back Alexander Mattison has been able to provide Minnesota’s offense with good production whenever he’s on the field this season.
First-year tight end Irv Smith Jr. appears to be getting more and more involved with the offense each week and he just caught his very first NFL touchdown last week against the Broncos. Smith has developed a nice connection with Kirk Cousins and it’s something that should continue to strengthen as the season moves on.
Despite being a seventh-round pick, rookie Bisi Johnson has filled in nicely as the Vikings’ No. 2 receiver during Adam Thielen’s absence. Cousins isn’t afraid to toss the football in the rookie’s direction and during Minnesota’s win over Denver last week, Johnson hauled in a season-high six passes on nine targets.
Austin Cutting has proven to be a nice addition to the Vikings’ special teams as the young long-snapper hasn’t really had any rookie moments during his first year with the purple and gold.
This group of rookies who have already been contributing for Minnesota this season are likely only going to get better during the team’s final five games. By the time the playoffs come around, some of these first-year players could become important factors in the Vikings’ quest to the Super Bowl.