Grading the Minnesota Vikings 2021 rookie class after year one

Kene Nwangwu – RB/KR

Grade: A

The Vikings shocked many when they took this speedster, Kene Nwangwu, out of Iowa State in the fourth round. He was injured in the preseason and that kept him out until Week 8.

It was Week 9 when he made his presence known with a glorious kick return touchdown against the Ravens. He showcased his jets and it was clear once this kid hits top speed, no one is catching him.

He did it again against the 49ers and was getting buzz that he would end up in the Pro Bowl for his return skills. He ultimately was robbed of that honor, but the Vikings now know and every team in the league also knows, that they possess a return man who can take it to the house at any time.

As a back Nwangwu only had 13 attempts for 61 yards but did show the ability to run between the tackles and not just to the outside. He’ll still be RB3 next season but his return skills make this pick an early home run.

Camryn Bynum – S

Grade: B

Camryn Bynum was another surprising pick of the Vikings in the fourth round of the draft. They passed on a handful of pure safeties to take this college cornerback who they planned on converting. Turns out Speilman knew what he was doing.

Bynum played in 12 games and started three. He had a brilliant game against Baltimore in Week 9 totaling 12 tackles a pass breakup, and an interception. He followed that up with a sack and six tackles against the Chargers. This kid was looking like the real deal but then got hurt and his momentum kind of fizzled out.

Bynum finished the season with 28 total tackles one sack and one interception. He has a strong chance to start in year two and is one of the more exciting players to come out of this class so far.