Reviewing the performance of the Vikings 2020 rookie class
By Nik Edlund
Kenny Willekes – DE (Michigan State)
2020 Stats:
- 0 games played
Willekes was a late-round pick many fans were excited about. This is a guy who was a walk-on at Michigan State and worked his way to a scholarship. He isn’t athletically gifted but makes up for it with a non-stop motor and an unmatched drive. Willekes was having an up and down preseason but then blew out his ACL in the scrimmage. That injury put him on injured reserve and may have saved his spot on the team, and he’ll be back fighting for a roster spot again in 2021. The Minnesota Vikings desperately need another pass rusher and hope that Willekes can carve out a role.
Nate Stanley – QB (Iowa)
2020 Stats:
- 0 games played
Not much was expected from this big-armed quarterback from Iowa. He was signed to the practice squad, and there’s a good chance he’ll be on it again next season.
Brian Cole – S (Mississippi State)
2020 Stats:
- 0 games played
Cole was cut very early and is now on the Dolphins practice squad. This was pretty much a wasted pick.
Kyle Hinton – OG (Washburn)
2020 Stats:
- 0 games played
Hinton was a raw prospect from a small school who was seen as a project. He was signed to the active roster late in the season but was inactive on game day. He will be in the mix at one of the guard spots in 2021.