4 Vikings players who need to hit the ground running in 2020
By Dean Jones
Which players on the Minnesota Vikings need to hit the ground running in 2020?
An offseason period of significant disruption will officially end for the Minnesota Vikings when they take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. This is a big opportunity for Mike Zimmer’s men to lay down a marker against their NFC North rival and it could set the tone for the entire campaign.
The Vikings roster looks completely different to that which finished the 2019 season. Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs got his wish and was traded to the Buffalo Bills and the organization parted ways with a number of key veterans on the defensive side of the ball.
Some will be missed more than others. The likes of Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph leave a gaping hole on the defensive line. But the cornerback duo of Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes can have no qualms about Minnesota’s decision to go in a different direction.
Despite this player turnover, there is still real hope that the Vikings can wrestle back the divisional crown from the Packers and make a deep postseason run. Minnesota’s decision-makers have been bold and shrewd in equal measure in their attempts to strengthen the roster in recent months. But the time to deliver is almost upon them and they will need to start well to avoid any murmurings of discontent.
This bears particular significance to some members of the roster for differing reasons. Let’s take a look at four Vikings players who need to hit the ground running in 2020.