3 most disappointing Vikings rookies of the 2020 season

Troy Dye – LB

The Vikings took linebacker Troy Dye in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and many figured this pick to be a steal. Some viewed Dye as a potential third-round choice since he is a highly athletic linebacker who can cover a ton of ground and be an asset in pass coverage.

The expectations were low with Dye in year one with Minnesota. He was expected to be seen mostly on special teams as a rookie before competing to take over Eric Wilson or Anthony Barr’s job in 2021, depending on which player the Vikings decided to keep.

But injuries forced Dye on the field earlier than expected and he wasn’t able to do a whole heck of a lot with the opportunity he was given.

Dye finished the 2020 season with just 28 tackles and two pass breakups and he did this in 11 games, with five of them including him in the starting lineup.

Dye wasn’t horrible, he just didn’t make any splashy plays. He didn’t have a sack, interception, a forced fumble, or even a tackle for a loss. It was a lot like having Ben Gedeon back in the lineup.

Dye needs to add some weight to his frame and become much more physical in his second season with Minnesota. The guy is athletically gifted and if he can become a more intimidating presence on the field, perhaps the production will follow.