3 players who won’t be on the Minnesota Vikings roster after 2020 season
By Scott Rogust
Was the offseason overhaul just the beginning for the Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings are just coming off a 2019 campaign where they played the role of spoilers at the expense of the NFC-favored New Orleans Saints. Usually, a team would retain their corps to make a run at the Super Bowl the following season.
That wasn’t the case for the Vikings. They allowed edge rusher Everson Griffen to hit the open market, traded star receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, and parted ways with a majority of their cornerbacks. Luckily for Minnesota, they had a staggering 15 NFL Draft picks this year to essentially rebuild while competing.
We can assure you that there will likely be some change after this upcoming season as well. There are plenty of players set to hit the open market in 2021 and head coach Mike Zimmer’s contract is set to expire at year’s end.
But when it comes to three players who won’t be back come the start of next season, we’d put our money on these individuals.
60. Scouting Report. Minnesota Vikings. player. Pick Analysis. G. Pat Elflein. 3
When you mention the name of Pat Elflein to a Vikings fan, they’ll clench their fist in rage like the ever-popular Arthur meme. Minnesota selected Elfelin in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. This is a guy who won the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year for his stout play with the Ohio State Buckeyes. That play never translated once he entered the NFL.
Elflein failed to impress at center through his first two seasons, resulting in him moving over to guard after the selection of Garrett Bradbury in 2019. As it turns out, Elflein was no better in his new position. According to Pro Football Focus, the guard posted a 62.3 overall grade, which ranks 42nd among all starting guards. His biggest weakness comes in pass blocking situations, as he allowed 38 total pressures and six sacks.
All signs are pointing to Elflein being given one more shot to prove his worth entering the upcoming season. He brings continuity to the offensive line, which is a huge preference for any head coach. But, if he struggles, he could lose his spot in the starting rotation and find a path to the open market.