4 Vikings position groups that could exceed expectations in 2020

Defensive End

The Minnesota Vikings were once expected to resign Everson Griffen but with him recently landing with the Dallas Cowboys, that isn’t going to happen. The team will now have Ifeadi Odenigbo as the starting right end and the great Danielle Hunter on the left side. While losing an all-time great like Griffen hurts, there is the potential that this group could be even better than a season ago.

First of all, the starters shouldn’t miss a beat. Hunter is coming off back-to-back 14.5 sack seasons and is easily one of the best ends in the game. He’s still only 25 years old and just hitting his prime. Odenigbo exploded a season ago with seven sacks. With the energy and enthusiasm he plays with, there’s no doubt he’ll exceed those numbers in 2020.

Losing Griffen does hurt the depth and while the Vikings’ backups at defensive end do lack experience, they are all very hungry to prove themselves. There are two journeymen veterans who will be looking to show they can still play in the league, and then a couple of rookies who will be battling them for a spot on the depth chart. Defensive coordinator Andre Patterson saw something in D.J. Wonnum and made drafting him a priority. He will be used in certain situations and sub-packages and could make more of an impact this year than many anticipate. Kenny Willekes lacks elite athletic traits, but is pure motivation and will work harder than anyone to earn a roster spot.

The talent at defensive end definitely took a hit by losing Griffen, but youth and competition could make this an even better group this season.