5 Vikings players who are the cornerstones to future success
By Dean Jones
Which Minnesota Vikings players are cornerstones to future success?
Just when it looked as if the Minnesota Vikings might be done in 2020, they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at home to the Carolina Panthers and keep their postseason hopes alive.
Their come-from-behind win at U.S. Bank Stadium was further proof of the resolve currently residing within the organization. With some winnable games in the next couple of weeks, they might end up getting an unlikely playoff berth after all.
Everything needs to go their way to accomplish this after a 1-5 start. But regardless of whether the Vikings make it or not, head coach Mike Zimmer knows he has some solid foundations from which to build a prolific future that will hopefully come with an elusive first Super Bowl triumph.
Here are five Vikings players who are cornerstones to any future success that comes their way.
Player No. 1
Brian O’Neill – OT
Brian O’Neill has been one of the real bright spots for the Vikings in 2020. He has built on the positive momentum generated from the previous campaign to continue his rise into the conversation of best young edge protectors in the NFL.
There might be even more on O’Neill’s shoulders in terms of responsibility next year if Minnesota decides to move on from left tackle Riley Reiff to provide some salary-cap relief. There is nothing to suggest that the former Pittsburgh Panther is not ready for this additional pressure and when one looks at cornerstones of future success, his name is high on the shortlist.
O’Neill has given up just two sacks and five penalties from 701 snaps this season. This has resulted in an outstanding 75.2 grade from Pro Football Focus and there could be some big money coming the player’s way in the not-too-distant future.