What the Vikings can expect from new DE Yannick Ngakoue

The Good

Elite pass-rushing skills

Yannick Ngakoue is only 25-years-old, but he’s been in the NFL since 2016. During his first four seasons in the league, Ngakoue has developed into a premier pass rusher.

Since 2016, he’s racked up 37.5 sacks and 85 quarterback hits. With the help of Minnesota’s coaching staff, his potential to perform at an even higher level is through the roof.

Essentially, the Vikings are getting someone in Ngakoue who shouldn’t have any trouble replacing Everson Griffen on the right side of the team’s defensive line.

Creation of a dynamic duo

Following Sunday’s trade, Minnesota will now have two of the best pass rushers in the NFL suiting up for them this season in Ngakoue and Danielle Hunter.

Prior to the deal, most expected Hunter to draw more attention from opposing offensive lines in 2020 due to Griffen no longer being with the Vikings. But with their newest addition, Hunter should get plenty of one-on-one opportunities to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

Decrease in pressure on young secondary

Despite the optimistic reviews coming out of this year’s training camp, Minnesota’s young group of cornerbacks is still a concern for some heading into the upcoming season. The arrival of Ngakoue should help eliminate some of those worries.

The Vikings pass rush just experienced a tremendous upgrade that should result in opposing quarterbacks having less time to scan the field for an open receiver. With less time spent in coverage, mistakes from Minnesota’s young secondary shouldn’t be too frequent in 2020.