5 biggest unsung heroes for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021

Armon Watts – DT

Armon Watts is easily the biggest unsung hero on the 2021 Vikings. This guy has been very good and has made plenty of big plays on a defense that has struggled all season long. Watts has shown to be a dual impact player who is stout against the run but can also provide interior pressure. He has seen more snaps this season than most predicted he would, as Michael Pierce has missed the majority of the season battling an injury. He’s made the most of that opportunity making plays and being consistent every single week.

Watts has started eight games this season and played in 13. He’s been extremely productive with 35 total tackles, three tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, nine quarterback hits, and five sacks. No one saw that kind of jump from the third-year player, though it really shouldn’t be that unexpected.

Watts had only seen spot duty in previous years but always seemed to make the most of his limited snaps, having two sacks and 44 tackles in 23 career games. Watts has been so good, he could actually convince the team to move on from Michael Pierce in the offseason if he can’t come back after his injury. That would’ve been a crazy thing to say four months ago, but Watts has shown he can be a starter in this league and an effective one at that.