4 Vikings who could take a gigantic leap in the 2022 season

Chazz Surratt – LB

Chazz Surratt is the only defender to make the list of the next K.J. Osborns but he could have a very similar production jump in his second season. Surratt was basically given a red shirt for his rookie season. Word came out very early in camp that he was very slow picking up Mike Zimmer’s defense and it was evident we wouldn’t be seeing him much as a linebacker in his first season.

That turned out to be correct, but we still thought Surratt would have a big impact on special teams. That didn’t happen either, as he appeared in just nine games without making much noise at all. Things could be different for Surratt this year.

The Vikings are switching to a 3-4 front with some 4-3 looks mixed in. Surratt could fit in well to either of these systems and with two veterans topping the depth chart, the team could rotate in some young guys to ensure that Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks stay healthy all season long.

Surratt is known for his speed and high-end athletic ability. Hopefully, the new coaching staff will be creative with him and put him in positions that will utilize these traits. He will have to battle veteran Blake Lynch and rookie Brian Asamoah for playing time, but chances are high that Surratt will show Vikings fans why he was taken in the third round a year ago.