4 Vikings players who need to hit the ground running in 2020
By Dean Jones
Pat Elflein – OG
The stakes could not be higher for Pat Elflein during the 2020 season. This appears to be his final chance to forge a successful career with the Vikings and some would argue that he is not worthy of a chance such as this following a dismal campaign last year.
Elflein promised much when he entered the NFL and he has delivered very little. Minnesota doesn’t have much in the way of depth on their interior offensive line, which has worked in the player’s favor. But the addition of rookie Ezra Cleveland should be enough to increase his urgency.
This is either going to go one of two ways for Elflein. Either he fails to deliver once again and is cut loose or the player rises to the challenge to give himself a fighting chance of extending his stay with the organization.
It remains to be seen whether Elflein’s lack of confidence is already past the point of no return. The former Ohio State Buckeye gave up six sacks and he was flagged for eight penalties during 919 snaps in 2019 and if he starts this upcoming campaign in a similar form, it will not take long for the Vikings to look at alternative options.
This makes it absolutely crucial for Elflein to get off to the best possible start in Minnesota this season and there appears little doubt that his career with the franchise depends on it.