6 Minnesota Vikings players that nobody talks about
By Dean Jones
6. Eric Wilson – LB
Eric Wilson faces a pivotal season with the Vikings in 2020. The outside linebacker has performed well in a rotational role over the last two years and he did enough for the team to re-sign him this offseason.
There is plenty to like about the way Wilson goes about his business on the field. He rose steadily up the depth chart since going undrafted in 2017 and he is set to get the chance to take his game to new heights in 2020 from a projected starting role.
Wilson signed a one-year deal worth $3.25 million this offseason. A more lucrative offering might be on the cards next spring if he reaches or even exceeds expectations this year.
His contribution from 34 percent of Minnesota’s defensive snaps in 2019 was encouraging. Wilson logged three sacks, 62 tackles, five quarterback hits, six tackles for loss, and a 67.6 grade from Pro Football Focus.
His efforts for the Vikings against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs last season were another notable highlight and his performance likely played a role in him getting re-signed.
Wilson recorded 10 tackles and one quarterback hit during Minnesota’s loss to the 49ers. But most notably, the linebacker was on the field for 71 percent of the Vikings defensive snaps during the matchup, which represented a significant increase from the regular season.
This is all confidence that Wilson can take into 2020. All signs seem to point to some substantial improvements from a player that nobody talks about too much.