4 Vikings rookies with unrealistic expectations in 2021

Wyatt Davis – OG

Getting better interior production was absolutely critical for the Vikings this offseason. In Wyatt Davis, they may have a player that can occupy one of the guard positions for the next decade.

The former Ohio State star was considered by many to be a borderline first-round talent before a major slide into the third round. Providing there are no complications on the injury front, he could end up being one of the draft’s biggest steals when it’s all said and done.

Davis is projected by many to start from the word go, which he is more than capable of judging by his career with the Buckeyes. However, dominating at the college level and transitioning this to the NFL is a monumental task and one that many prospects don’t manage to do.

Hopefully, for him and the Vikings, Davis will make a solid adjustment and play a big part in 2021. Minnesota crumbled in pass protection on their offensive line interior in 2020 and if the same problems emerge next season, it could be another long year for the franchise.

The Vikings have nothing to lose by throwing Davis in at the deep end. There are some concerns from an injury standpoint that played a substantial role in his drop down the draft. So putting too much pressure on his shoulders right away might be a bad call to make in the long run.

It’s not like Davis has to beat out a solid group of guards on Minnesota’s roster to earn a prominent role. But expect some early growing pains against bigger, faster, and more imposing defensive tackles.