Minnesota Vikings: Predicting individual awards for 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 25: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Stefon Diggs #14 after a 26 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images /

Most Underappreciated: Jayron Kearse

I stated at the top that the Vikings pride themselves on their defense. Why shouldn’t they? The defense has Pro Bowlers all over the place. Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph, Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith all comprise this unit, just to name a few. There are stars at all three levels of the defense. Jayron Kearse, meanwhile, is a player that can contribute all over the field.

Kearse came to Minnesota as a seventh-round pick back in 2016. Since being a late-round selection, he has slowly developed into a defensive chess piece in addition to being the special team’s ace.

We saw him emerge as a hybrid linebacker last season. He tallied 32 tackles and two pass deflections last season, which was the best season of his young career. Those numbers aren’t eye-popping, but he showed up all over the place for the Vikings.

Kearse spent time at linebacker, nickel corner and strong safety last season. His versatility is an immense bonus to the defense. At 6-4, Kearse has the size to disrupt the passing game in coverage and at the line. His long strides allow him to make plays down the field and in the run game. He will never be the star of the defense, but Kearse is a key piece to the success of the Vikings on this side of the ball.

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