5 breakout stars to watch for Minnesota Vikings in 2020

2. DE Ifeadi Odenigbo

Odenigbo has had quite a journey. The Vikings drafted him in the seventh round in 2017. They cut him, then added him back to the practice squad for that season. The Cleveland Browns claimed him off waivers, then they waived him 20 days later and the Arizona Cardinals claimed him. He got into one game for the Cardinals in 2018 before they waived him and the Vikings signed him to the practice squad again.

Last season could really go down as a breakout campaign for Odenigbo. He has seven sacks, 13 quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss, despite playing just 34 percent of Minnesota’s defensive snaps.

With Everson Griffen gone, unless a tough market for pass rushers brings an eventual return, the Vikings will have a substantial void to fill opposite stud defensive end Danielle Hunter. Even if Griffen does happen to be back, or the Vikings draft a defensive end, Odenigbo has made a strong case for more playing time this year. He should get it, and a double-digit sack season would be the real breakout for him.