5 Minnesota Vikings newcomers who could surprise in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Minnesota Vikings newcomers could make surprising contributions in 2021?
It’s been another offseason of big change for the Minnesota Vikings as they look to improve their fortunes in 2021. At least from the outside looking in, the roster looks to have a lot more depth and experience next season, which could make a massive difference as Mike Zimmer looks to get his team back into postseason contention at the earliest possible opportunity.
Considering the financial constraints Minnesota was under at the start of free agency, they recruited remarkably well in the circumstances. The Vikings also got their hands on some exciting draft picks to further bolster problem positional groups, so fans can look forward to the upcoming campaign with a real sense of optimism.
Regardless of what happens between Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers over the next couple of days, the Vikings look more than capable of mounting a playoff push providing their new additions hit the ground running in whatever role they’re given.
With this in mind, here are five Vikings newcomers who could make surprising contributions in 2021.
Player No. 1
Chazz Surratt – LB
The Vikings needed to improve depth at the linebacker position, which was an area of the field that went to pieces when Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks went down with injuries last season. Chazz Surratt was selected from the college ranks to provide depth and potentially become a prominent member of the rotation in 2021.
Surratt is a brilliant football player who thrived during his time at North Carolina after transitioning to the second level. He is an athletic presence that has no problem becoming a sideline-to-sideline force, something Minnesota clearly needs behind Kendricks if the worst were to happen again.
Not only this, but Surratt might also get a shot at earning some meaningful reps at outside linebacker in run-first situations with a strong showing at training camp and in preseason games.