2020 NFL Draft: Grading all 15 Minnesota Vikings picks

The Minnesota Vikings completed the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the selection of Oregon inside linebacker, Troy Dye. As a true freshman, Troy Dye immediately broke into the Oregon defense and was an impact player, leading the Ducks in tackles for four straight seasons. Dye is a leader on defense and finished his career at Oregon earning Freshman All-American honors and All-PAC-12 honors three times.

Dye was impactful as a pass rusher during his time in Eugene accounting for 41.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks as a four-year starter but should be expected to play more as an inside linebacker for the Vikings. The selection of Troy Dye gives the Vikings another flexible player that has shown balance as both a pass rusher and cover linebacker. Dye was responsible for five interceptions and four forced fumbles with the Ducks.

Dye will need to add to his frame and carve out a role in the Vikings defense, but will be an absolute grinder. Dye was the leader on a strong, Rose Bowl winning Oregon defense and was one of the toughest players in college football. After breaking his hand against rival Washington, Dye re-entered the game wearing a cast and continued to finish the game despite the cast then breaking as the Ducks rallied down 10 to beat Washington 35-31, posting a fourth-quarter shutout.

As a rookie, Dye will mostly be used as a special teams player and serve as a backup linebacker. Like Gladney and Wonnum, the Vikings have demonstrated to select players with certain size and skill traits as current players on the roster and recent departures. Dye again fits the mold and playing style of linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks and should be another defensive prospect with potential starting upside.

Grade: B+