What the Vikings can expect from new LB Chazz Surratt in 2021

The Good

Highly athletic

If there is one thing Mike Zimmer seems to love, it is athletic players who have the potential to develop into great players. Chazz Surratt fits that description as a twitchy defender who should be able to chase down ball carriers from sideline to sideline.

Being able to use his physical gifts to cover the field in run support would open up other defenders to be a part of more exotic defensive looks and allow for more one-on-one situations since offenses will need to put a hat on him or get stuffed.

Excellent tackling

There is no lack of desire to make big hits or take on lead blockers when it comes to Surratt bringing down a ball carrier. He is a high effort player when tackling, doing whatever he can to bring down runners or deliver hits when needed.

These attributes will translate well to special teams or as a base defender, making his value even better for a Vikings team that saw some horrific play when it came to coverage on punts and kickoffs at times last season.

Good instincts

Being able to evaluate a situation unfolding in front of the defense is key for Chazz Surratt. Part of that could come because he switched from quarterback to linebacker, which helps him to diagnose plays both before and after the snap.

A good reaction time allows him to make a move on the ball rather quickly, putting him in a situation that allows him to start his pursuit very quickly. That advantage helped him rack up 206 tackles over his last 24 games.