4 things that must change for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021
By Dean Jones
Linebacker contributions
Eric Kendricks is an All-Pro and was playing at an incredibly high level before going down injured last season. However, if the Vikings want to realistically enter the playoff picture once again in 2021, they’ll need more from others in the linebacker room.
Kendricks is expected to make a full return to health, which is promising. The same also applies to Anthony Barr, who appeared in just two games during the previous campaign and although there were rumors to the contrary, Minnesota opted to keep the former UCLA star around rather than cutting him loose ahead of time.
What’s important for Barr is that he repays the faith shown in him with production on the field, providing he can remain healthy over a prolonged period of time. This will not only help at the second level but also when it comes to generating pressure in opposing backfields.
Eric Wilson is no longer around after signing for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, so the Vikings are counting on Nick Vigil – a free-agent signing of their own – to step up and make the most of a potential starting job next season.
Minnesota also has an exciting young talent that could possibly fill the void after they selected Chazz Surratt during the draft. The North Carolina product comes with a substantial amount of upside, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be ready for a big role by Week 1.