Minnesota Vikings: The 5 Most Underrated Players on the Roster

Now that the Minnesota Vikings have kicked off training camp, it's time to explore the top 5 most underrated players currently on this impressive Vikings roster.

To properly come up with this list, we evaluated the impact each player had on the team based on Pro Football Focus' grading formula and combine it with some other factors.

Whether it was a player's skill set, consistency, versatility or upside, that sinister combination of data built this list from the ground up.

Now without further delay, it's time to start the slideshow below and find out who the top five most underrated players are on this current Vikings roster.

Erin Henderson

While he may be undergoing a battle to take over the middle linebacker position in camp, Erin Henderson has been one of the most unappreciated Vikings in recent memory.

With the bulk of his snaps coming at the outside linebacker position last season, people may be surprised to hear that according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) Henderson graded out as the 17th-best 4-3 OLB in 2012.

Although that stat can be misleading at times—Henderson's snaps were lower than others on the list—it still showed that when he's out on the field, this young man can be an effective player for this defense.

A hard-hitting linebacker, according to ESPN 1500, Henderson has been showing off his power already at camp.

When asked about his performance so far, head coach Leslie Frazier said, "It's encouraging, we'll see how he continues to develop."

Whether he wins the MLB battle or is shifted back to the outside, Henderson's demeanor and desire to contribute to this team, combined with his skill set, make him a valuable asset to this Vikings roster.

Jarius Wright

For all of the well-deserved attention Greg Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson are receiving, one of the most underrated offensive weapons sitting on the Vikings roster is Jarius Wright.

A short-yardage maestro, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Wright was at his most effective last season when he was catching passes between zero and nine yards on the left side of the field.

Coming on strong at the end of last season, Wright's ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage will provide starting quarterback Christian Ponder with another versatile weapon to play with.

Along with Xavier Rhodes, Wright has been standing out the most at training camp so far according to according to Mike Wobschall of Vikings.com.

When talking about Wright's abilities at camp, Wobschall said:

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Wright is diminutive, but he’s also fast enough and physical enough to play on the outside if needed. The Vikings can also get Wright the ball quickly while in space, similar to what they did with Harvin many times. Rarely does Wright drop the ball, and frequently he’s making catches that should be batted down as incomplete. Wright has also been one of the better-looking players taking reps at punt return.

"

An underrated player on this team heading into the 2013-14 season, if he continues to improve, Wright could end up becoming one of the breakout stars for the Vikings.

Kyle Rudolph

Even after playing in his first ever Pro Bowl last season, Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph's name belongs on this list.

The 6'6" Rudolph may have snagged nine touchdowns last year to go along with 53 receptions, but thanks to guys like Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, most people still overlook the true value that Rudolph brings to this offense.

Tight ends, historically described as "safety blankets," are a quarterback’s best friend. Serving as big, reliable targets that love to catch passes in traffic, these guys are always out there helping their QBs.

With Christian Ponder still in development mode, Rudolph will continue to serve as an anchor for the young QB moving forward.

If Ponder can get the football to Rudolph this season, the former Notre Dame standout is a 1,000-yard, double-digit touchdown machine just waiting to happen.

Brian Robison

When you talk about the Vikings defensive line the names Kevin Williams and Jared Allen come to mind.

But another explosive pass-rusher who wears No. 96 could be one the most valuable assets this team has.

Brian Robison, the seventh-year man out of the University of Texas has been producing at a high level over the last two seasons for Minnesota.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Robison graded out as the 14th-most productive 4-3 defensive end in all of football last season.

A consistent pass-rusher and an above-average run defender, Robison value to this team tends to get overlooked in favor of "sexier" names.

With his deal set to expire at the end of this season, if he continues to produce in 2013, the Vikings front office should seriously considering extending his contract to give this defensive line a sense of stability moving forward.

John Sullivan

The most underappreciated player on this entire Vikings roster is none other than John Sullivan.

Amongst the Minnesota faithful, Sullivan is known as the anchor of this talented offensive line. Outside of that though, many NFL fans don't even know who this guy is.

Well, let me tell you who he is.

Last season, according to Pro Football Focus' formula (subscription required), Sullivan graded out as the best center in the NFL.

An elite run-blocker, Sullivan served as an integral part of Adrian Peterson's amazing 2,000-yard rushing season.

But even after producing at such a high-level throughout the 2012-13 season, Sullivan was snubbed during the Pro Bowl selection process.

Well he may not the considered the strongest or most athletic player on this Vikings roster, Sullivan is certainly one of the brightest.

His ability to understand the game and use his techniques to dominate defenders is the main reason that he has become arguably the best center in the game today.