After missing out on the playoffs in 2018, the Minnesota Vikings took some big steps forward during the 2019 season. They made the playoffs and even knocked out the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card round. A lot of the Vikings' success was because of some players who took some big steps forward.

Let's look at the three Vikings players who took the biggest steps forward during the 2019 season.

Brian O'Neill

When the Vikings selected Brian O'Neill during the second round of the 2018 draft, many believed it was a project that might take three years for him to really contribute.

There were many problems with the Vikings offensive line this year, but right tackle Brian O'Neill wasn't one of them. Many times he had the toughest assignment on the field, and he would lock them down.

The Vikings need to make some big improvements to the line this offseason to get better for next season, but building around O'Neill is a great thing for the future of the line.

Ifeadi Odenigbo

The Vikings lost Ifeadi Odenigbo to the Cleveland Browns during the 2018 season, but they later released him and he ended up back with the Vikings. That ended up being a key move, because he was a problem for opposing offensive lines all season.

He played all 16 games, finishing with 18 solo tackles and seven sacks. He had one forced fumble and a fumble recovery that he ran back for a touchdown.

Odenigbo looks like he is going to be a key part of the Vikings' defense for many years to come.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Caleb Williams will go first, and then the Patriots and Vikings will play poker

Steve Silverman ·

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah with a phone in his hand. Kwesi also has a speech bubble that says “Let’s make a deal!” Next to him is a logo for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Ben Strauss ·

Bo Nix stands next to Vikings, NFL Draft logo while Drake Maye, Patriots logo in background

Christopher Smith ·

CJ Ham

CJ Ham was selected to the Pro Bowl for the Vikings and that was a great honor for a fullback that took some big steps forward. The Vikings had a strong run game during the 2019 season and a big reason was the play of their fullback. He opened up many big holes for Dalvin Cook and the rest of the Vikings backs. He played a career-high 359 snaps this season and has proven he can be a fullback in the league for a long time.

He had seven carries for 17 yards and also caught 17 passes for 149 and a touchdown. He is set to become a free agent and it needs to be a top priority for the Vikings bring him back.

If they let him walk, the next team that gets him is going to be getting a good one.