The Vikings set an NFL record when they drafted 15 players in seven rounds this spring. Will any of those new faces have a shot at winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2020?
NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein recently took a look at possible NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year contenders and offered "historical notes and trends that could help piece the DROY puzzle together." He wrote:
View photos of TCU CB Jeff Gladney who was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the NFL Draft.
FILE - In this March 1, 2020, file photo, TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. Gladney is a possible pick in the NFL Draft which runs Thursday, April 23, 2020, thru Saturday, April 25. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) makes a diving catch for a touchdown between TCU defenders Jeff Gladney (12) and TCU safety Markell Simmons (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
FILE - In this March 1, 2020, file photo, TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Gladney is a possible pick in the NFL Draft which runs Thursday, April 23, 2020, thru Saturday, April 25. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney participates in a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Texas Christian defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AJ Mast via AP Images)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney is tested at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney watches the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney does he bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Oklahoma State wide receiver Dillon Stoner (17) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney is tested at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
TCU defensive back Jeff Gladney runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Connecticut's Megan Walker (3) goes up for a shot as Houston's Dymond Gladney (5) runs past her during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney poses for a headshot during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) and TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) are pictured in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Louis DeLuca)
Oklahoma State wide receiver Dillon Stoner (17) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Connecticut's Crystal Dangerfield, right, drives toward the basket as Houston's Dymond Gladney defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Houston. Connecticut won 92-40. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) and TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) are pictured in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Louis DeLuca)
(left to right) South Alabama quarterback Cephus Johnson jumps over Jacksonville State defensive back Markel Gladney after being protected by South Alabama wide receiver Kawaan Baker during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Dan Anderson)
Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy (15) scores on a 10-yard touchdown run ahead of TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney, left, in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 49-24. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans (3) carries against Middle Tennessee safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) in action as TCU played Purdue in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Appalachian State wide receiver Corey Xavier Sutton (2) pulls in a touchdown reception against Middle Tennessee cornerback Darryl Randolph (29) and safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the second half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. Appalachian State won 45-13. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) breaks up a pass intended for Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Louis DeLuca)
Jacksonville State defensive back Markel Gladney plays against South Alabama during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Dan Anderson)
Iowa State wide receiver Joseph Scates, left, fights with TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Ames, Iowa. Both players were called for unsportsmanlike conduct on the play. Iowa State won 49-24. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
SMU kicker Russell Roberts (97) boots the go-ahead field goal as SMU's Cody Banks (99) holds and TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Appalachian State wide receiver Corey Xavier Sutton (2) pulls in a touchdown reception against Middle Tennessee cornerback Darryl Randolph (29) and safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the second half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. Appalachian State won 45-13. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Kansas wide receiver Stephon Robinson (5) catches a pass while covered by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans (3) carries against Middle Tennessee safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
West Virginia running back Kennedy McKoy (6) runs for a touchdown while being chased by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) and safety Markell Simmons (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Raymond Thompson)
Kansas running back Pooka Williams Jr. (1) lands in the end zone for a touchdown while covered by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans (3) carries against Middle Tennessee safety Kendricks Gladney (38) in the first half of the New Orleans Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) defends a pass intended for Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) makes a diving catch for a touchdown in front of TCU defender Jeff Gladney (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) before the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Fort Worth, Texas. Oklahoma won 52-27. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) makes a diving catch for a touchdown between TCU defenders Jeff Gladney (12) and TCU safety Markell Simmons (3) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas wide receiver Joshua Moore (14) ois hit by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
FILE - In this Dec. 28, 2017, file photo, Stanford running back Bryce Love (20) is pursued by TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) as he runs for a touchdown during the second half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game, in San Antonio. Love bucked popular opinion by sticking with the Cardinal rather than declaring early for the NFL draft.(AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
No safety has won the award since Mark Carrier did it for the Chicago Bears in 1990.
Only three DROY recipients over the past 31 seasons were not drafted in the first round: Darius Leonard (2018), DeMeco Ryans (2006) and Kendrell Bell (2001).
Ohio State alums have won this award in three of the past four seasons.
Since 2002, six edge rushers have won it with season sack totals ranging from [9.0] to 12.
Zierlein called cornerback Jeff Gladney, whom the Vikings drafted 31st overall, a dark horse candidate for the award.
He's not the biggest or fastest rookie cornerback, but he might be the most consistently competitive on-the-ball defender in this draft. Gladney is twitchy and instinctive. He should get on the field right away for the cornerback-needy Vikings. He will take his lumps, to be sure, but look for Gladney to make more plays on the football than most rookie starters.
Who does Zierlein believe has the best shot at winning the award? He pointed to Washington's rookie edge rusher Chase Young, who has "great size and length to transition to playing against NFL tackles."
Zierlein also highlighted Ravens LB Patrick Queen, Chargers LB Kenneth Murray, Cardinals LB Isaiah Simmons, Lions CB Jeff Okudah, Jaguars EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson, Jaguars CB CJ Henderson and Panthers DT Derrick Brown. He said the following of Okudah, whom the Vikings are slated to face twice as a division opponent:
He's a terrific athlete with great length and the physical ability to twitch and explode on throws. He hasn't learned to fully trust his eyes, but if it starts to click for him in that area as a rookie and if he's allowed to play a little more off-man coverage, those explosive traits could pay early dividends.
Jim Marshall tabbed as Vikings best player not in HOF
Although the Pro Football Hall of Fame extended its 2020 class to 20 members, Bryan DeArdo pointed out that "there are still a slew of deserving players who are waiting to earn their rightful place" in Canton, Ohio.
DeArdo highlighted one player from each NFL team who is not currently enshrined in the Hall of Fame but should be. He noted that he only selected players who played more than half of their career for that franchise and who currently are eligible for induction into the Hall.
Vikings fans won't be surprised that DeArdo pointed to defensive end Jim Marshall as the Vikings Legend who certainly deserves to be recognized among the greats. DeArdo wrote:
A valued member of Minnesota's "Purple People Eaters" defensive line, Marshall holds numerous NFL records that include the most seasons played by a defensive player (20, along with Junior Seau and Darrell Green), most consecutive games by a defensive player (282), most consecutive starts by a defensive player (270) and most career fumble recoveries (30). Marshall, who was still a starter at age 42, helped the Vikings win three NFC titles along with the NFL championship in 1969.
Another Viking who played during Marshall's era, running back Chuck Foreman, was also considered. The 1973 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Foreman – way ahead of his time in terms of his versatility – led the NFL in receptions in 1975 while averaging 20 yards per catch.
Rudolph encounters surprise guest in Lake Tahoe
Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph and receiver Adam Thielen currently are by Lake Tahoe to participate in the American Century Championship in Stateline, Nevada.
On Friday, Thielen will tee off in the first round with former Vikings teammate Case Keenum and Rams receiver Cooper Kupp. Rudolph is paired with former DB Charles Woodson and former LB DeMarcus Ware.
There are plenty of celebrities roaming around Lake Tahoe for the big event, but on Thursday night Rudolph encountered a completely unexpected – and furry – guest near his on-site lodging. He posted a photo on Instagram of the bear he and his wife Jordan were surprised to cross paths with.
