4. Stephen Weatherly – DE
Rick Spielman was really dialed in during the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft as Stephen Weatherly becomes the second man on this list from that class. Weatherly has worked hard to become a solid rotational player on the Minnesota Vikings defensive line.
Weatherly didn’t do much his first couple of seasons with the Purple. Going into his third season he had just eight career tackles. Then the light came on.
Weatherly found himself in a starting role after Everson Griffen took a medical leave to deal with some mental health issues. Weatherly took advantage of the opportunity. Weatherly proved to be a viable dual-threat defensive end for the Vikings.
He was stout against the run but was also able to generate pressure opposite Danielle Hunter. He had three sacks in his spot duty and many quarterback pressures. His play kept the defense on point without Griffen for that long period of time.
Weatherly has proven to be a versatile asset on the Vikings defensive line. He has been moved inside from time to time on passing downs and used as an interior pass rusher with great results.
His time with the Vikings is likely over as he enters free agency this offseason. Surely a team with more cap space than the Vikings will recognize his value and offer him a contract the Purple simply can’t contend with.