4 Vikings who have exceeded expectations so far this season

Cameron Dantzler – CB

Cameron Dantzler has gone through his fair share of growing pains, but this is something that’s hardly unexpected for any cornerback entering the league. Going up against quicker and more physically imposing wide receivers is a culture shock for most. However, it’s hard not to be impressed by the way he’s handled himself for the most part.

There have been some mental errors on Dantzler’s part. The third-round pick has found out quickly that the mistakes you make at the college level get punished more severely in the NFL. He will undoubtedly learn a significant amount from being a prominent starter in his first season and this should serve the player and the Vikings well in the years to come.

Considering there was very little expected of Dantzler coming into the season, his level of production has far exceeded expectations. He has recorded 26 combined tackles, 23 solo tackles, and two tackles for loss from being on the field for 55 percent of Minnesota’s defensive snaps. But his allowed completion percentage allowed 71.1 will need to come down once the former Mississippi State star gets more experience under his belt.

Dantzler took a big hit against the Packers last Sunday that resulted in the player getting taken off on a stretcher. Even though it looked worrying at the time, the Vikings appear confident it isn’t anything serious and he hasn’t been ruled out of their game against the Lions in Week 9.