Three Vikings players who could take a leap in 2021

Jack White
·2 min read

The Vikings’ 2020 draft class has plenty of potential.

There were some rookies who emerged as starting-caliber players during the season. Minnesota maybe even landed the best rookie of the draft class: WR Justin Jefferson.

Not every rookie was a star, but some showed flashes of promise. This is a list of players who could take a leap for the team in 2021. Jefferson and CB Cameron Dantzler both played too well to qualify for this article. They’ve already made great strides and I’m sure they will again next season.

Here is a list of some names who could go from good to great as members of the Vikings:

DE D.J. Wonnum

Photo: AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn

As a rookie, Wonnum played well in limited reps for the Vikings this season. Now, he could be looking at a chance to start. When Danielle Hunter returns, he will solidify a defensive end spot, barring anything unexpected. With that in mind, there will presumably be a competition for the other spot between Wonnum, Ifeadi Odenigbo, Jalyn Holmes and whomever the Vikings add through the draft and free agency. Wonnum had three sacks and eight QB hits in 471 snaps. He could be looking at a starting position, where he could up his production and improve greatly.

OL Ezra Cleveland

Photo: AP Photo/David Berding

Cleveland has a chance to move back to his natural position — left tackle — if the Vikings make the decision to let go of Riley Reiff. If they decide to keep Reiff, Cleveland could stick at right guard. I think that would tell you that he is comfortable playing there. If he has an additional offseason under his belt, Cleveland could be looking more comfortable at right guard. He showed flashes of what he can do. Whether it's moving back to left tackle or learning more about how to be a right guard, signs point to Cleveland putting it together with another year of experience.

CB Jeff Gladney

Photo: AP Photo/David Berding

Gladney had some promising plays as a rookie. He also had his share of mistakes. I think it's safe to say that Gladney is a physically talented player who needs to improve on some technical aspects. I think with more time in the offseason and a season under his belt, I would predict that Gladney puts it together and becomes at least a decent slot corner for the Vikings.