At 4-6, the Vikings have put together a disappointing display in 2020 so far, but the team still has plenty to build off of for future seasons.
Yes, Stefon Diggs is a big loss, but Justin Jefferson has been a more-than-adequate replacement. Other young players like D.J. Wonnum, Irv Smith Jr. and Jeff Gladney have shown promise this season.
Bleacher Report likes what it sees. The outlet ranked the Vikings as having the 10th best young core in the league. Here’s what it said about Minnesota:
“Minnesota keeps investing big resources in smart areas, too. Garrett Bradbury, 25, was a first-round pick a year ago and has a 69.1 grade at Pro Football Focus. Cornerback Jeff Gladney, 23, was a first-rounder this year, and right guard Ezra Cleveland, 22[,] was a second-rounder this year. Both have shown flashes.
Along with mainstays Adam Thielen, Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith, it’s hard to dislike the long-term outlook in Minnesota.”
I think if players like Gladney, Cleveland, Cameron Dantzler and others can take strides forward for 2021, this team could be back to at least being decent.
There is the problem with Kirk Cousins, though. I used to defend Cousins for his level of play and efficiency, but I think this year proved that his faults are not going away. It’s time for the team to draft a rookie quarterback.
Cousins’ contract is huge, but the team can afford to have a player at the same position on a rookie deal for the time being. And off course, a promising young quarterback makes for a better young core.
