Grading the Vikings 2019 NFL Draft class after year one

Alexander Mattison – RB (Pick No. 102)

Production: 

Alexander Mattison had a clear role on the Vikings in 2019 from day one. He was tasked with getting a handful of carries each game that would allow Dalvin Cook to stay fresh and hopefully healthy.

Minnesota stuck with that plan all season long. Mattison ended up playing in 13 games as he missed a few with an ankle injury. He did his job well, rushing for 462 yards on 100 carries. He also added 10 receptions for an additional 82 yards through the air.

The Vikings offense didn’t miss a beat when the rookie was in there and his production was exactly what a team would hope for from a third-round pick.

Grade: A

Performance: 

Mattison was very impressive overall. He ran with good power, vision, and speed. He wasn’t afraid to go up in the air and leap for extra yardage if need be. He did have one fumble late in a game when Minnesota was trying to run out the clock, and that can’t happen.

Overall though, his performance was impressive. The Vikings might have expected a few more touchdowns from him, but they have to be extremely pleased with how he played this year.

Grade: B+

Dru Samia – G (Pick No. 114)

Production: 

Dru Samia had a lot of buzz surrounding him during the summer. He was extremely impressive with his massive size and ability to move his big frame around. Some even though that he’d push newly signed Josh Kline for playing time on Minnesota’s starting offensive line this season.

That didn’t come close to happening though as Samia was inactive almost all year long, playing in just two games. Most teams typically hope for more than that from a fourth-round pick.

Grade: D-

Performance: 

Samia only saw extended playing time in the Vikings’ last game of the season against the Bears. He did look pretty good in that contest and he was able to move some of Chicago’s starters on the defensive line around a bit. Unfortunately, that was the only game Minnesota really got to get a good look at him.

Grade: C-

Cameron Smith – LB (Pick No. 162)

Production: 

Cameron Smith was on and off the roster all season long. He appeared in five games and he finished with just eight tackles. He is a long way off from being a contributor and he will have to fight to make the Vikings as a special teamer in 2020.

Grade: D-

Performance: 

Smith didn’t stick out much in extended looks in the preseason and he really didn’t do anything outstanding when he played in games that counted. He did show some fire in Minnesota’s regular season finale against the Bears. But after a year on the team, there really doesn’t appear to be anything special about this guy.

Grade: F