5 underrated moves from the Vikings 2021 offseason
By Dean Jones
Drafting linebacker Chazz Surratt
Another draft selection that went relatively unnoticed by the Vikings was their decision to select Chazz Surratt. The former North Carolina linebacker was an absolute revelation for the Tarheels after transitioning to the defensive side of the football and he might only be scratching the surface of what he is truly capable of.
Making a move from quarterback to linebacker is a pretty drastic step by any stretch of the imagination. Surratt not only handled this with aplomb, but the numbers during his first season at the position were extraordinary in the grand scheme of things.
Surratt managed to rack up 115 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and one interception in 2019. He followed this up with another outstanding year in 2020 that left no doubt the prospect could make a similar impact at the next level with a little more refinement.
The Vikings struggled significantly when Eric Kendricks went out through injury last season. So not only should Surratt provide Minnesota with a capable backup to the All-Pro, but he might also be a contender to earn a starting spot opposite Anthony Barr at outside linebacker judging by his elite athleticism and instincts.
Mike Zimmer knows a good defender when he sees one. Surratt ticks all the boxes of what the Vikings were looking for and the pick could benefit the organization for years to come.