Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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2019 Recap
Stat line: 66 tackles (coaches' tally), 3.0 sacks, six tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and a fumble recovery
Wilson hasn't missed a game since signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2017. The linebacker has seemed to play a larger role on the team each season and brings a dynamic energy to the field whether playing defense or special teams.
In 2019, Wilson started a career-high six games and played 379 (35 percent; also a career-high) of Minnesota's defensive snaps. He also was on the field for 66 percent of special teams plays.
Wilson totaled 3.0 sacks, including a pair of takedowns of Raiders QB Derek Carr in Week 3.
Vikings Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Adam Zimmer credited much of Wilson's success to his mental approach to the game and ability to handle multiple positions and responsibilities on the field, which he has demonstrated when being called on to start.
"He's been my project since we got him as a rookie free agent. We identified him on film and really liked his game and recruited him throughout the process. He came here and was kind of like [Eric] Kendricks, only probably not as polished," Zimmer said. "But he always wanted to jump and make plays and be super aggressive, and it showed up in his first preseason as a rookie.
"As he got more playing time [in 2018] and then played a lot in 2019, he really had a great understanding of the scheme. He backed up every position for us, base and sub," Zimmer continued. "I could put him in anywhere, and you could tell how much he learned because he's always asking questions. Now he's a real football junkie, like Anthony [Barr] and [Kendricks] are."
Wilson recently spoke with Vikings producer Gabe Henderson and reflected on his progression over his first three seasons. The 25-year-old credited his self-confidence, "regardless of the circumstances," for continued steps forward.
"Some of those obstacles that I've gone through and maybe what could be setbacks, or maybe people think of them as setbacks, you can't let that keep you from chasing your dreams … and really fulfilling those dreams and manifesting that greatness," Wilson said. "It's definitely a journey. Everybody has their own journey, but it's awesome to see that manifest."