3 Vikings Players Who Will Be Rookie of the Year Candidates in 2020

No team made more draft picks in the 2020 NFL Draft than the Minnesota Vikings, who added a whopping 15 players. GM Rick Spielman did a nice job of plugging up roster holes with almost superfluous depth, but he did an even better job at identifying potential superstars and using premium picks on them. These three players should all see snaps right away, and could end the year with some hardware if they really take off.

3. LB Troy Dye

Oregon linebacker Troy Dye / Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Vikings clearly valued college production when making their selections on Day 3 of the draft, as evidenced by their efforts to patch up the defensive line by drafting Baylor's James Lynch and Michigan State's Kenny Willekes. Dye, a fourth-round pick, is no different, as the four-year starter and heat-seeking missile made at least 84 tackles in every season he played in Eugene. Both Adam and Mike Zimmer value range and aggressiveness in their linebackers, and Dye can certainly provide both of those traits in bunches.

2. CB Jeff Gladney

TCU CB Jeff Gladney / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The Vikings knew cornerback was a sore spot for them before the draft, and they addressed that by absolutely stealing Mississippi State's Cameron Dantzler in the third round and adding Temple's Harrison Hand in the fifth. The best new addition to the secondary, however, is Gladney, one of the stickiest and most aggressive man coverage corners in this draft. A PBU machine with the speed and athleticism to match, Gladney, the No. 31 overall pick, should be an instant starter on an elite defense.

1. WR Justin Jefferson

LSU receiver Justin Jefferson / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Jefferson falling to the Vikings at No. 22 overall was an absolute gift, as it was this slippery slot receiver that had the most catches in LSU's unstoppable offense last season. With tremendous hands, explosion, the ability to separate at the line of scrimmage, and enough athleticism to cause some real problems as a runner, Jefferson will be the No. 2 wide receiver behind Adam Thielen on a team that likes to throw the ball a lot. Expect a breakout rookie season for the former Bayou Bengal.