3 forgotten former Vikings players that are still in the NFL

Tom Compton – OL (Denver Broncos)

After signing Kirk Cousins to be their next franchise quarterback, the Vikings decided to also add a familiar face to block for their new starting signal-caller in offensive lineman Tom Compton.

With Minnesota in 2018, Compton started 14 games at left guard. During this season, he allowed a total of 34 pressures and seven sacks, in addition to being graded as the 46th-best guard in the NFL by PFF.

It certainly wasn’t a year to remember, so it wasn’t a surprise when the Vikings decided not to bring Compton back in 2019. Since his lone season in Minnesota, the veteran offensive lineman has had stints with the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.

Last year, the 49ers ended up moving Compton over to right tackle, and the former Minnesota blocker arguably put together the best season of his career in the league.

After starting in 10 games for San Francisco (including the playoffs), Compton was the 16th-best graded offensive tackle in the NFL last season by PFF, and his run blocking grade ranked fourth among offensive tackles.

Back in March, he signed a one-year deal to play for the Denver Broncos next season. If he makes the final 2022 roster with the Broncos, it will be his 10th regular season in the NFL.