4 under-the-radar Vikings who could make an impact in 2020

Kris Boyd – CB

As we get closer to the start of the season, all the talk about the Vikings cornerback group has been about Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, Jeff Gladney, and Cameron Dantzler, which makes sense.

Hughes and Hill are likely going to start on the outside and they have the most experience. Gladney and Dantzler are rookies and everyone is excited to see what they bring to the field. But one corner who isn’ t getting enough props is Kris Boyd.

Boyd was a pleasant surprise a season ago. He overcame a tough preseason where he looked lost in his coverages and he ended up contributing as a solid special teamer.

Boyd was an excellent gunner who was usually the first one to make contact with the returner. He started really relishing the role and he became excited when he made a play. This gave him confidence that carried over to the defensive side of the ball.

Late in the season, Boyd started seeing more and more snaps on defense. His coverage was much better than what he showed in the preseason and his tackling was also improved. In spot duty, Boyd finished with 22 total tackles (two for a loss), a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup.

The most promising thing about Boyd was how far he progressed throughout the year. He looked like he was going to get cut in the preseason and then he became a core special teamer and top reserve in the cornerback group. He took his coaching to heart, and that improved his overall game.

Boyd really isn’t that far behind Hill and Hughes and he should be mentioned in the same breaths they are. If he continues to impress during this year’s preseason, his playing time should increase and he might even get some starts.