4 defensive sleepers for the Vikings to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 23: California Golden Bears safety Jaylinn Hawkins (6) and teammates celebrate his interception during the college football game between the California Golden Bears and the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Palo Alto, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 23: California Golden Bears safety Jaylinn Hawkins (6) and teammates celebrate his interception during the college football game between the California Golden Bears and the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Palo Alto, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) Akeem Davis-Gaither
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) Akeem Davis-Gaither

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is taking place this week. Who are some defensive sleepers the Minnesota Vikings should watch closely in Indianapolis?

The Minnesota Vikings have a chance to drastically alter their roster ahead of the 2020 NFL season as veterans like Everson Griffen, Anthony Harris, and Xavier Rhodes may be on their way out.

These potential departures could leave huge holes on the defensive of the ball for the Vikings. Luckily for Minnesota, the 2020 NFL Draft has plenty of defensive talent across the board.

As we will see at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, there are plenty of talented young players just looking for an opportunity. Not everyone is a first-round talent, but not every current superstar in the league was selected early in the draft either.

Some stars come from small programs. The Combine is a platform for these unheralded prospects to make a name for themselves.

It makes sense for the Vikings to get younger on both sides of the ball. Their expected salary cap situation makes things difficult, so moving on from some longtime veterans may be their only option to make changes.

That said, drafting will be crucial in keeping a contending roster moving forward. Compensatory picks have not been announced yet, but Minnesota should have plenty of ammo during April’s draft.

So as the draft process continues, which defensive prospects can stand out in Indianapolis at the Combine this week and potentially end up with the Vikings this year?

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