Midseason report for the Minnesota Vikings 2021 rookie class

Ihmir Smith-Marsette – WR

• 4 games played
• 1 catch, 6 yards
• 4 kick returns, 83 yards

Ihmir Smith-Marsette was one of the few Vikings’ rookies who contributed right away this season. He was used as the primary returner in the first three games and showed some promise in that role. He did catch his first NFL pass against the Cowboys, grabbing a short 6-yard pass from Cousins.

It will be interesting to see how much more action Smith-Marsette will get the rest of the way with Nwangwu now securing the return job and him being buried on the receiving depth chart. There’s plenty to like so far from this fifth-round pick but his opportunities moving forward could be limited.

Zach Davidson – TE

• 0 games played
• On practice squad

Zach Davidson was taken for his pure upside, but he showed in the preseason he is far from realizing his potential. He landed on the practice squad where he can learn the offense and develop his skills.

Jaylen Twyman – DT

Jaylen Twyman was shot four times during the preseason and placed on the team’s Reserve/Non-Football Injury list. He’ll heal up, and prepare to compete for a spot on the roster in 2022.

1st Half Grade: 

C-

The Vikings didn’t get much out of their rookie class for the better part of the first half of the season. Christian Darrisaw was out with an injury, and players like Kellen Mond, Patrick Jones, and Wyatt Davis were usually inactive on game day.

In recent weeks things have changed. Christian Darrisaw has locked down the left tackle job, and Cam Bynum and Kene Nwangwu had some big-time performances.

The Vikings had a veteran roster coming into the season, so this class was never expected to have a huge impact this year, but that could change.

Darrisaw will continue to start and if some other players like Jones, and Davis can join in the production with Nwangwu and Bynum, this grade will go way up by season’s end.