Three candidates for most improved Vikings player
As a team, the Vikings took a step back in 2020. Minnesota has to have players like Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney make strides in 2021 for the team to be successful.
That said, there were still some bright spots in what was a tumultuous season. Minnesota had certain players improve quite a bit, which led to the team being more competitive in the second half of the season.
Which Vikings player would be the most improved on the team? Here is a list of three candidates:
LT Riley Reiff
Syndication: Argus Leader
In the offseason of 2020, many thought the Vikings may move on from Reiff. At the time, he had a cap hit of $8.2 million and was coming off a 2019 where he allowed five sacks, per PFF. But Reiff proved some Vikings fans wrong. He gave up just one sack in 2020. He improved his PFF grade slightly as well. He still might be a possible cap casualty or trade candidate this offseason, but it's not because of inconsistency or anything. Reiff had a good year.
DE Hercules Mata'afa
Photo: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
Mata'afa went through some ups and downs this season. In October, the Vikings waived him. The team later signed him to the practice squad. Mata'afa ended up finishing the season as a useful reserve. He had 2.5 sacks, six QB hits, three tackles for loss and played in 13 games in 2020. The season before, he played in six games and had no sacks.
RB Dalvin Cook
Photo: Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports
This was PFF's pick for the Vikings' most improved player. Cook being on here might seem strange on the surface, considering he had a good 2019, too. But Cook's 2020 was even better. The Minnesota running back tallied 1,557 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, both of which were career highs.
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