NFL Predictions 2020: One surprise rookie gem who will star for each team

Minnesota Vikings: Troy Dye, LB

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is a defensive-minded guy and that has been evident by the team he has fielded year after year. Constantly one of the better defenses in the NFC, Zimmer’s Vikings are going through some changes this year after saying goodbye to Everson Griffen and Linval Joseph.

To replace them, they seem to be ready to let the depth already on their roster compete for starting jobs. As for their moves in the draft, they seemed focused on replacing wide receiver Stefon Diggs and cornerbacks Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes, and Mackensie Alexander as they drafted Justin Jefferson from LSU and Jeff Gladney out of TCU in the first and later on grabbed Cameron Dantzler in the third from Mississippi State.

These players will all fight for starting roles and should likely get them. As for some of the rookies that could be depth pieces, Troy Dye stands out as a player who could find a niche early on. Dye was all over the field for Oregon, never recording less than the 84 tackles he had in his senior season. He also provided the Ducks with 13 sacks and five interceptions.

At 231-pounds, he might not be the ideal size but he makes up for that with his speed and instincts. He could be a standout on special teams but don’t be surprised if he’s in the mix for the starting WILL linebacker spot at some point during the NFL 2020 season.