Top Minnesota Vikings Rookies: Week 17 vs. Chicago Bears

Defensive rookies get more time to shine

The Vikings had three rookies on the defensive side of the ball playing against the Bears on Sunday.

Armon Watts, who seems to flash at least once every game, kept that streak going against Chicago. Watts had three tackles and a sack that forced Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky to fumble. Watts was also injured during the matchup, but hopefully, he’s fine for the playoffs next week.

Minnesota rookie linebacker Cameron Smith played the majority of the game and he brought a ton of intensity to the team’s defense. Smith finished the afternoon with four tackles.

Top Vikings Rookie of Week 17

That brings us to the best Vikings rookie of Week 17. The prestigious award goes to cornerback Kris Boyd for the second time this season.

Boyd didn’t start, but he played about three-quarters of the game. The rookie was matched up against Bears receiver Allen Robinson and he more than held his own against one of the best in the league. Boyd finished the day with an impressive eight tackles, two of which went for a loss.

Boyd has been very impressive during the last quarter of the season for Minnesota. Not only is he emerging as a very good special teams player, but he’s also starting to show flashes of being a capable cornerback.

With the Vikings potentially losing quite a few members of their secondary during the upcoming offseason, having a promising rookie like Boyd on the roster is huge.