5 Vikings players who could have bigger roles in 2020

Kris Boyd – CB

Kris Boyd started the 2019 season off very poorly. When he took the field as a corner in the preseason he looked as though he never played the position before. He was completely lost and he couldn’t cover any wide receiver he was lined up against.

His tackling was also poor, as he couldn’t hit or even drag down his man. He quickly sank to the bottom of the depth chart and many Vikings fans and media folks alike, were doubting his future with the team.

Boyd has to be given credit though, he arguably has improved more than any player on Minnesota’s roster this season.

He first began to flash around the midpoint of the season on special teams. Boyd was often the first man down the field when covering the punts, either making the tackle or downing the ball inside the 10-yard line. It was a role he seemed to enjoy as he often celebrated with outstretched arms every time he made a play no matter how big or small.

Late in the season, he saw more action at corner when games were already decided. His technique and positioning were much better, as was his tackling. Instead of lowering his head and trying the blind shoulder hit, or the drag-down tackle, Boyd began actually wrapping up and hitting guys.

In the Vikings’ final game of the regular season, he was paired up with talented Bears receiver Allen Robinson and the rookie won his fair share of battles against him.

Seeing Boyd’s progress has to be very reassuring for Minnesota’s defensive coaching staff. Sure, he still has a long way to go, but he got better and better as the season wore on. With potentially Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander all leaving the team in 2020, Boyd’s year one experience and development could help him fill one of the holes in the Vikings’ secondary next season.