Reviewing the performance of the Vikings 2020 rookie class

Harrison Hand – CB (Temple)

2020 Stats:

• 17 tackles
• 3 pass breakups
• 1 interception
• 14 games played (1 start)

The Vikings added their third cornerback of the draft with their first fifth-round choice. They took Harrison Hand from Temple and the initial thought was that he could switch to safety in the NFL. Hand ended up staying at cornerback, and over the course of the season, he saw intermittent duty. His coverage wasn’t always the greatest, but most of the catches made on him were contested, and that was encouraging to see. Hand did have an interception and showed enough this season to be considered for the number three corner role in 2021.

K.J. Osborn – KR/PR (Miami)

2020 Stats:

• 303 kick return yards
• 27 punt return yards
• 9 games played

K.J. Osborn was drafted about three rounds too early to be the Vikings’ sole return man. This was the guy Rick Spielman tabbed to solve the Vikings’ returning woes and be a returner that other teams fear and game plan to stop. Osborn failed miserably in this role and showed little burst, wiggle, or any knack for returning the football. He was inactive much of the season and the team went back to Chad Beebe and Ameer Abdullah. This was the Vikings’ worst pick of the entire 2020 Draft.

Blake Brandel – OL (Oregon State)

2020 Stats:

• 0 games played

Blake Brandel wasn’t expected to do much, and in that, he succeeded. He was signed to the practice squad, where he remains to this day. He will have to fight and progress quite a bit to make the final roster in 2021.

Josh Metellus – S (Michigan)

2020 Stats:

• 9 tackles
• 2 fumble recoveries
• 15 games played

Metellus didn’t see a ton of action at safety but was a core special teamer. He somehow had two fumbles on the season and nine tackles. If he makes the team in 2021, his role will likely remain the same unless his coverage skills vastly improve.