4 highly touted Vikings rookies who may not make the 2020 roster

James Lynch – DT

The Vikings chose James Lynch in the fourth round of this year’s NFL Draft and many figured with him being that high of a pick and at a position of need, that he’d be a lock to make the team as a rookie. After his underwhelming performance at camp this summer, him making the team is now not such a sure thing.

Minnesota took this player because of the ability he showed in college to be a disruptive interior force. He accumulated 13.5 sacks during his senior season at Baylor and he looked like a great fit as at least a rotational inside pass rusher for the Vikings this year. While that could still happen, Lynch finds himself buried on the depth chart right now.

He is currently behind Jaleel Johnson, Armon Watts, Jalyn Holmes, and Hercules Mata’afa on the roster. Things got worse for Lynch and his chances too after Minnesota traded for Yannick Ngakoue.

Following the trade, Ifeadi Odengibo might move back inside as an interior pass rusher which could push Lynch right off the roster.

The Vikings would probably try to get him on the practice squad this year, where he could continue to learn and develop. At this point, the only thing that gives Lynch a chance to make the squad is his relatively early draft status. But his play on the field so far, or lack thereof, has spoken otherwise.