POLL OF THE WEEK: Welcome to the Minnesota Vikings, Rookie
Austin Belisle
|
Click around the different sports websites and blogs, and you’ll find the Vikings listed near the top of numerous “Draft Grades” and “Best of the Draft” lists. Their haul of players, which includes Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes and UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks, is expected to contribute early and often. Below, a quick look at the newest members of the Minnesota Vikings:
Of the 10 players selected by general manager Rick Spielman, it’s not difficult to imagine six or seven playing a starting or rotational role this season. All ten will attend the Vikings’ rookie minicamp later this week (May 8-11), where they’ll get to meet their positional coaches, run through basic walkthroughs, and begin the process of absorbing an NFL playbook. There, head coach Mike Zimmer and his staff will get their first look at players they’ve only seen through film or from stadium seats.
All eyes will be on Trae Waynes, who comes to Minnesota with lofty expectations — he’ll most likely step into a starting spot opposite Xavier Rhodes, the Vikings’ blossoming young shutdown corner. At the second level of the defense, Eric Kendricks will join his UCLA teammate Anthony Barr and compete with Audie Cole for the starting middle linebacker position — a battle I fully expect to Kendricks to win.
After that, roles become a bit muddled. Danielle Hunter enters the NFL as a freakish athlete, but lacks the polish or technique to challenge Brian Robison at defensive end. Hunter relied on a speed rush at LSU, but rarely took advantage of his length and strength to challenge tackles and guards in passing situations. B.J. Dubose will likely sit behind Tom Johnson at defensive tackle, and seventh round pick Edmond Robinson is a project — he’ll need a year or two to develop under Mike Zimmer.
On the offensive side of the football, Norv Turner will need to decide how he’ll take advantage of two new weapons; wide receiver Stefon Diggs and tight end MyCole Pruitt. The Vikings’ staff loves Jarius Wright and expects him to own the slot this season, but Diggs has the skill set to succeed in a similar role. He’ll start the year behind a deep group of receivers, but may find the field in a return role. Pruitt is a hybrid who can line up as a fullback, tight end, or split out, and Turner will find ways to get him the football in mismatches against smaller safeties or slower linebackers.
Tyrus Thompson and Austin Shepherd, tackles out of Oklahoma and Alabama, were value picks late in the draft who add depth to the Vikings’ depleted group of offensive tackles. They’ll most likely make the 53-man roster as swing tackles (and potential guards) who can provide spot duty in the face of injuries.
You may think I’ve forgotten T.J. Clemmings, but truthfully, I’ve saved the best for last. The Vikings may have selected the steal of the draft in Clemmings, who fell to the fourth round because of injury concerns. Reports indicated Clemmings had a stress fracture in his foot, but the former Pittsburgh tackle believes the injury is a non-factor. In time, Clemmings can develop into a starting tackle or guard for the Vikings, and may crack the starting lineup this year if:
- Matt Kalil continues to struggle at left tackle
- He can improve his raw technique in the offseason
I ask you, Vikings fans — who was your favorite selection in last week’s draft? Share your choice in the poll below and tell us who you’re excited to watch this season!
You must be logged in to post a comment.