Jordan Hicks – ILB
The signings that new Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made this offseason are playing at a stellar rate on the defensive side for the team this season.
Led by superstar pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, players like inside linebacker Jordan Hicks have gone under the radar this year while playing winning football. As the entire defense has begun to play better this year while adjusting to the new scheme, a player we are seeing shine more and more is No. 58.
Hicks leads the Vikings in tackles while also having two sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble. He’s filling the stat sheet this year, and they aren’t just empty numbers that he’s putting up.
Hicks was the highest-graded player against Washington on both sides of the ball by PFF, accumulating a grade over 90, just an amazing game.
With promising rookie Brian Asamoah waiting behind Hicks, the veteran is doing everything he can to fend off the young Oklahoma product, maybe with Hicks’ past at Texas giving him extra motivation.
Some fans are upset that Minnesota’s rookie class hasn’t had as much playing time this season, but when veterans like Hicks are playing at the level they’re at now, it shouldn’t be an issue that the rookie gets to sit back and develop.