Grading the Minnesota Vikings 2019 rookie class after year three

Cameron Smith – LB

Grade: F

The Vikings traded down a few times, and when they finally took a player in the fifth round of the 2019 Draft, it was linebacker Cameron Smith’s name on the card.

Smith’s career with the Vikings wasn’t a very memorable one. He did make the final roster but was on and off the team throughout his rookie season. He then had to have heart surgery which kept him on the shelf for his second season.

He did attempt a comeback in 2021 but announced his retirement in camp. Who knows if Smith would’ve developed into a contributor, but let’s all just be glad he found that heart condition and got it taken care of.

Armon Watts – DT

Grade: A

Armon Watts has turned out to be one of the better picks of the Vikings’ 2019 class. He played rotationally as a rookie but was still able to make some big plays.

He has grown into a part-time starter and valuable depth piece on the Vikings’ defensive line. Watts has shown to be stout against the run but is a guy who can also create that interior pressure.

Last season was his best, as he started nine games, forced two fumbles, and had five sacks. He was arguably better than both of the big signings the Vikings brought in.

Watts’ career stats for the Purple are pretty impressive, with 90 total tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, three tackles for a loss, and 13 quarterback hits. He is one of the few players from this class who have earned a second contract with the team.