The Viking Age
FanSided

Players who could make the Vikings because of their special teams ability

By Nik Edlund

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Ameer Abdullah #31 of the Minnesota Vikings returns a punt in the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Ameer Abdullah #31 of the Minnesota Vikings returns a punt in the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Kris Boyd #38 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Kris Boyd #38 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

CB Kris Boyd

Kris Boyd developed nicely a season ago and he gained much of his self-confidence over the course of the season by playing special teams. Boyd struggled in the preseason at cornerback in camp in 2019. He looked so lost and confused on the field, that it looked like he’d be cut and a candidate for the practice squad.

He actually made the team, and over the course of the season was working on special teams. By about Week 6, Boyd was clearly relishing his role as a gunner and celebrating every time he made a big tackle. The confidence he gained playing special teams carried over to the defensive side of the ball and he began playing much better. He was stickier in coverage and actually able to hit what he was attempting to tackle.

Boyd is probably safe when it comes to making the team strictly as a cornerback this year. He does have a lot of new competition for a spot on the depth chart with rookies like Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler, Harrison Hand, and Nevelle Clarke being added. While a few of those youngsters have stepped up so far in camp and could bump him down the depth chart, Boyd is an established core special teamer and that should assure him a spot on the final roster.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News