The Minnesota Vikings were knocked out of playoff contention with a Christmas Day loss to the New Orleans Saints. So, the game against the Detroit Lions appears the perfect time for rookies and fringe players to make a statement. This game provides the perfect opportunity for Mike Zimmer to see players who should make the roster for next season. Here are some Minnesota Vikings players who should see the field in week 17.
Minnesota Vikings Players Who Should See the Field in the 2020 Season Finale
Harrison Hand
Harrison Hand stood out on Christmas Day in a poor defensive display by the Vikings. The fifth-round cornerback out of Temple made big plays on Friday night against Drew Brees and company. Also, Hand made big plays on special teams in the 52-33 loss to the Saints. This was highlighted by a crucial tackle on a return to prevent the Saints from having dangerous field position.
Harrison Hand has been used sparingly as a defensive back in his first year with the Vikings. The majority of his playing time has come on special teams but Hand showed promise at cornerback on Friday. As well as his play on special teams, Hand produced an impressive red-zone interception. Two passes defended and six tackles on the day topped off a good day for the rookie. With nothing riding on Sunday’s game against Detroit, Hand should slot in as a starting corner. Sunday provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience and prove he is ready to take the next step in 2021.
Brett Jones
Brett Jones has featured for Minnesota already this season. Due to injuries, Jones played against the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers. Overall, Brett Jones impressed only allowing one sack and had a Pro Football Focus grade of 77.6 in his limited game time. Jones won’t replace Garrett Bradbury at center, but both guard spots could be up for grabs in Sunday’s game.
Todd Davis
Todd Davis played as a defensive starter through weeks 13-16 because of the injury to linebacker Eric Kendricks. Davis has a chance to stake a claim for a linebacker spot next season with decisions to be made on both Anthony Barr and Eric Wilson by Minnesota. In his three-game starting stint, Davis registered a tackle for loss and a sack. Because rushing the passer has been such a problem for the Vikings, Davis could be quite the addition to the roster. However, the linebacker is nursing a rib injury so he may not be available for the Week 17 matchup against Detroit.
Blake Lynch
The multitude of injuries at the second level of the defense for Minnesota meant Blake Lynch came in as a starter against the Saints. Lynch was an undrafted free agent by the Vikings before the season began but the rookie from Baylor had a good performance. Though his PFF grade of 30.1 portrays a poor performance, Lynch led the team in tackles and did not have a missed tackle on Friday night. Also, Lynch performed well in coverage with a 42.4 quarterback rating when thrown at.
Minnesota can make plans for the future with the performance on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. Giving rotational players some reps could highlight players who deserve a chance in 2021.
