NFL analyst has high expectations for Xavier Woods in Vikings defense

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) Xavier Woods

Last year’s Minnesota Vikings defense left a lot to be desired. The team struggled to generate any kind of pass rush and couldn’t stop the run, leading to a ton of yardage and points being poured on them by opposing offenses.

Mike Zimmer isn’t about to see a repeat of that in 2021. The Vikings invested heavily in Minnesota’s defense, bringing in an All-Pro cornerback, a run-stuffing defensive tackle, and a familiar pass rusher along with a new defensive back from the Dallas Cowboys.

On the surface, a one-year deal for a safety worth $1.75M doesn’t seem like a game-changing investment. But when looking for someone to pair with Harrison Smith, the…