Minnesota Vikings: 5 Keys To Success In 2015
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Trae Waynes (Michigan State) is selected as the number eleven overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
3. The team’s rookies must perform
As they did last season, the 2015 Minnesota Vikings are relying heavily on a few rookies to step up.
The 11th overall pick cornerback Trae Waynes will certainly see some playing time this season, and could very well end up as the starter. He has is work cut out for him though, describing the learning curve of the NFL as being very difficult (per Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News):
"“It’s steep,” Waynes said of the learning curve, during an NFL Play 60 event Friday at the rookie symposium. “It’s like a mountain, but luckily we have guys on the team and the coaching staff that are willing to help you out through that process.”"
He’s going to have a much more complicated defense to learn under Mike Zimmer than he did in college at Michigan State, but he understands this and is working to get better. Right now he is likely the fourth cornerback behind veteran Terence Newman and third year player Xavier Rhodes, but he should have every chance to contribute.
He’ll likely have to play a role as the team’s nickel-cornerback, something he didn’t have a lot of experience at in college. He’s got a ton of speed (fastest cornerback at the combine, second fastest player overall) but sometimes struggles with his change of direction and footwork. He’s also had a lot of trouble with penalties, and will need to be sure to not get too physical downfield against some dominant NFC North receivers.
Linebacker Eric Kendricks was a second round pick out of UCLA, after winning the Butkus Award as the nation’s best collegiate linebacker in 2014. Head coach Mike Zimmer has already seen some good progress from him:
"He’s further ahead than most rookies, I would say,” Zimmer said, according to ESPN’s Ben Goessling. “They’re all different — (Anthony) Barr was pretty sharp last year when he came in. Eric’s been doing a good job. He’s obviously got a lot of athletic ability. He’s studying real hard. I think he’s got a chance to be a good player.”"
Kendricks is an excellent coverage linebacker, and should get a chance to start next to his former college roommate Anthony Barr and veteran Chad Greenway this next season. He’s a bit undersized for a middle linebacker, sometimes struggles in run-stopping and with his explosiveness, and his coach has discussed some of the issues Kendricks has had adjusting, (according to Brian Hall of FOX Sports) but he should still be a big part of the 2015 gameplan.
Danielle Hunter and B.J. Dubose on the defensive line as well as Edmond Robinson at linebacker could all contribute on defense or special teams next year. They’re all great athletic talents who could play several positions, so it remains to be seen exactly how they will fit in, but that means they could be available to help anywhere their team needs them.
On the offensive line, tackle T.J. Clemmings has been touted by some as possibly the best steal in the 2015 Draft. The Vikings grabbed him in the fourth round, after a concern about a foot injury caused him to slip down from a round-two grade. If he can stay healthy, he will be expected to contribute immediately.
His NFL.com draft profile cites his main deficiency as having little experience at his position. Right now it seems as though he will get a chance to start at guard for Minnesota next season, and this shift from tackle to guard may cause some more problems with his technique. However, he’s got the physical talent needed to have a big impact on an offensive line that gave up the fifth most sacks in the league last year.
Tackle Tyrus Thompson is another lineman that could play quickly. He is also likely to slide in to play guard, and seems to be someone who could back-up several positions on the line. Fifth round pick Mycole Pruitt was one of the more versatile players in the draft. He is listed as a tight end, but he will likely play some fullback, H-back, and line up in the slot. Another versatile offensive pick was the other fifth round choice Stefon Diggs. He will certainly play some receiver, but is also likely to make some plays in the return game as he did in college at Maryland.
These rookies all have excellent potential, but the Vikings are hoping to compete soon and won’t sit around and wait for young guys to develop. Several of them will be counted on in starting roles, and these guys must play well and do it quickly. They will have a huge impact on the outcome of the 2015 season, and won’t have time to make ‘rookie mistakes’ before they are relied upon in big ways.
Next: Defending Opposing Receivers