What can the Vikings expect from Alexander Mattison in 2020?
By Dean Jones
Alexander Mattison showed plenty during his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, but what can we expect from the running back in 2020?
The Minnesota Vikings look like they have struck gold in the form of Alexander Mattison. The running back performed incredibly well when called upon during his first season in an NFL environment.
A third-round draft pick out of Boise State, Mattison provided the franchise with a different style of running throughout the season. He formed a useful tandem with stud back Dalvin Cook that is going to be a massive part of their offense going forward.
Having someone to take the load off Cook is going to do the Vikings the world of good if he eventually signs an extension this offseason. Mattison transitioned his skills to the pros extremely well and displayed the sort of poise and aggression that head coach Mike Zimmer traditionally loves.
The future looks incredibly bright for Mattison if his first year in the NFL is any indication. Regardless of whether that is an understudy to Cook or in a more primary role with the Vikings or elsewhere in the future.
There were plenty of other needs that Minnesota needed to address with the pick they used on Mattison. However, it proved to be an inspired choice by the decision-makers within the organization.
Cook has also been relatively injury-prone during his career. Having Mattison waiting in the wings is an enormously useful tool for the coaching staff to call upon if such a situation arises again.
He left a huge impression in 2019, but what can the Vikings expect from Mattison in 2020?