Predicting the Minnesota Vikings record during the 2020 season
By Adam Patrick
New Additions
Yannick Ngakoue – DE
Despite being acquired less than a month ago, Yannick Ngakoue is easily the biggest addition to the Vikings roster this year. Ngakoue’s 37.5 sacks since 2016 are the third-most by any NFL defender under the age of 25 during the last four seasons.
Tajaé Sharpe – WR
Before Ngakoue arrived, Tajaé Sharpe was going to be Minnesota’s most notable veteran addition this year after Michael Pierce opted-out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns. Not much is expected out of Sharpe in 2020 and it’s probably because he hasn’t finished with more than 26 catches or 329 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons.
Justin Jefferson – WR (Rookie)
As the Vikings’ top pick in this year’s NFL Draft, the expectations for Justin Jefferson are going to obviously be high. Jefferson showed flashes of star potential in Minnesota’s training camp this summer and after a few games, it probably wouldn’t surprise anyone if he found his way into the team’s starting lineup.
Jeff Gladney – CB (Rookie)
Jeff Gladney wasn’t the Vikings’ top selection in this year’s NFL Draft, but the team still picked him in the first round. So his expectations will be similar to Jefferson’s and since he’s projected to be utilized in the team’s nickel defense as early as Week 1, Gladney will likely have the opportunity to make a significant impact for Minnesota before the team’s other first-round draft selection.
Other notable newcomers: Cameron Dantzler – CB (R), Ezra Cleveland – OL (R), Troy Dye – LB (R), K.J. Osborn – WR (R)