6 biggest gifts given to the 2019 Minnesota Vikings

A productive rookie class

It’s not every year teams get great production from their rookie class right out of the gate, but that is what has happened with the Vikings’ group in 2019. From their first-round pick down to their very last one in the wee portions of the seventh round, Minnesota has received great production from their rookie class this season.

First-round center Garrett Bradbury has started every single game this year. He has had some growing pains but has been impressive overall, as he’s been able to call out the proper protections at the line while also being a huge asset in the running game.

This kid can get down the field in a hurry on screens and has made some key blocks down the field that have sprung some long Dalvin Cook runs.

The Vikings also have gotten nice production from their second and third-round picks this year. Tight end Irv Smith Jr.‘s role with the offense has grown as the season has worn on and he’s caught 33 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns.

Smith has had a handful of catches called back due to penalties and he is still waiting for that breakout game. But Minnesota has to be excited for his potential and happy for his production so far.

Alexander Mattison was a surprising third-round pick for the Vikings in 2019, but he’s had a solid role being the primary backup to Cook. Mattison has run for 462 yards with a touchdown this season and he’s also proven to be effective through the air, hauling in 10 balls for 82 yards.

He recently got hurt and has missed a couple of games, but the Vikings clearly love what this kid brings to the field.

Minnesota has also got some production out of a few late-round picks this year. Vikings defensive tackle Armon Watts has been impressive. In limited duty, he’s accumulated nine tackles and half a sack.

The aforementioned Bisi Johnson has been a flat out steal for Minnesota. He’s worked his way into the No. 3 receiver role with the Vikings and he’s caught 28 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns as of this writing. Johnson isn’t particularly fast or big, but he has sure hands and he runs precise routes.

Minnesota also has a nice special teamer in the making in cornerback Kris Boyd and their last pick of the draft, Austin Cutting earned the long-snapping job with the team.

The Vikings’ 2019 draft class has contributed greatly to the team’s success this season. It doesn’t always happen and it’s a gift Minnesota is glad they got to open this year.