Grade the Pick: Vikings Select WR Rodney Adams at No. 170
Austin Belisle
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The Minnesota Vikings opted to build the offensive depth chart in the fifth round, selecting South Florida wide receiver Rodney Adams with the 170th-overall selection. Adams is a dual-threat option for the Vikings, both as a vertical wide receiver and potential kick returner.
137 receptions
1,982 yards
16 touchdownsWelcome to Minnesota, @rodney_adams87.
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— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 29, 2017
At USF in 2016, he notched five reception touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns. Adams also averaged 29.1 yards per kick return last season, and that’s likely how he’ll make early contributions for the Vikings. Although he’s a relative unknown among fans in the live chat and on Twitter, he recently visited Winter Park and worked out with his new teammate, receiver Adam Thielen.
Chris Tomasson called Adams a “candidate” to be the team’s kick returner with the recent departure of Cordarrelle Patterson. Given his elite speed and explosive abilities, a start on special teams makes sense for Adams. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Adams ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and flashed the tantalizing speed offensive coordinators like to see in late-round selections. His unique skill set would be an immediate fit in Patterson’s old role.
The Daily Stampede, a USF blog, had this to say about Adams:
[quote_center]”If Adams goes in the draft, it will be in the last couple of rounds. He can likely stick as a kick returner in the NFL, but he might be a bit of a project as a receiver, and he’ll need a team willing to let him learn that job while he contributes on special teams.”[/quote_center]
Sounds like the Vikings fit the bill. Cast your vote now!