Top Minnesota Vikings Rookies: Week 15 vs. the Los Angeles Chargers

Smith grabs another touchdown

With Adam Thielen back in the line up for the Vikings on Sunday, rookie receiver Bisi Johnson saw his targets take a dip as he had just one catch for 19 yards. Johnson did also have one carry for six yards, so getting the ball in his hands is clearly something Minnesota offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski is making a point of doing.

Vikings rookie tight end Irv Smith Jr. had a couple of catches against the Chargers, including the first score of the game. Smith went up and made a beautiful grab and landed just in bounds with his elbow and butt to get the second touchdown of his young NFL career. Despite the score, he only finished with eight receiving yards on the day.

So that brings us to the defensive side of the ball for Minnesota. The Vikings had three rookies contribute to their dominating defensive performance on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Rookie linebacker Cameron Smith was active, but he didn’t register any tackles. Big ol’ rookie defensive tackle Armon Watts saw some action as Minnesota was rotating their defensive linemen out quite regularly during the matchup. Watts finished the day with one tackle, but he continues to impress with his hustle and overall motor.

Top Vikings Rookie of Week 15

This week’s top rookie for the Vikings is a bit of a shocker. It is Minnesota’s 2019 seventh-round pick out of the University of Texas, cornerback Kris Boyd.

Boyd had two tackles on defense on Sunday, as he got in late when the game was put away. Where this kid has really stood out lately though has been on special teams.

Against the Chargers, Boyd hustled down the field and got his hand on a Britton Colquitt punt that allowed the Vikings to down the ball inside the five-yard line. It was a good game for a young player who has shown some positive signs of development in recent weeks.

If Boyd can continue to make big plays on special teams, he’ll carve out a role on this team. While he still is a long way from seeing meaningful snaps at corner, his development on special teams is very encouraging.