5 second-year Vikings who could make a big jump in 2020

Armon Watts – DT

Armon Watts was a bit of a surprise during his rookie year. The Vikings held off using him until about the halfway point of the season, but he showed he was able to provide the interior pressure the team was missing.

Watts finished his rookie campaign in Minnesota with 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He also swatted down a couple of passes and he was able to force a fumble. He was a bit of a playmaker and he would’ve gotten even more snaps if he didn’t get injured late in the season.

Watts is one of the few players on the Vikings’ current roster who can provide that interior pass rush that is so key to Mike Zimmer’s defense. Minnesota did draft James Lynch this year and he’ll come in and get his share of snaps as well. The top three defensive tackles on the Vikings depth chart are all primarily run stuffers and Watts is the top option when it comes to rushing the passer.

Depending on who Minnesota is playing each week, Watts could get a handful of starts in 2020. With those starts, his production should improve and allow him to take a major step forward in year two.