The Vikings original seventh round selection (244 overall) turned out to never change hands and they used it to make their final (probably) selection of the 2016 NFL Draft. That means the Vikings staff will immediately turn their attention to the undrafted free agency market.
With pick number 244 the Vikings selected Clemson safety Jayron Kearse.
Kearse has a ton of height for a safety (6′ 4″ and 216 pounds) and long limbs attached to that frame. Rumor has it that the Vikings spent time getting to know Kearse well leading up to the NFL Draft, and they were apparently able to look past concerns others have about his shyness when it comes to tackling.
He could stand to put some meat on those bones, but otherwise Kearse has all of the physical tools to be a successful NFL safety and immediate contributor on special teams. He will also need to be coached up when it comes to technique and his ability to counter agile receivers running through his territory.
In addition to this pick the Vikings used the NFL Draft to add talent at the following positions: Wide out, Cornerback, Offensive Line, Inside Linebacker, Tight End, and Pass Rusher. They also obtained third and fourth round picks for next year’s Draft.
Cast your vote on that final pick below!
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Think its a great pick. Does need to beef up and put some muscle on. Shows awareness on the field but needs to get better at tackling. Tends to shy away from contact. I believe MIke Zimmer can coach him up and he has a chance to start opposite Harrison Smith.
All of the physical tools and impressive bloodlines, too, but will he respond to coaching? Even though this coaching staff hasn't been able to fully develop Blanton and Exum into NFL-quality safeties, this is probably an ideal situation for Kearse because of a couple of crucial differences: he has more physical gifts than Blanton and, unlike Exum, is not a college corner trying to become a pro safety.