What They’re Saying: Vikings Select Jaleel Johnson
Sam Neumann
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After a considerable amount of wheeling and dealing Friday night, the Vikings stayed put to start the fourth round Saturday. With the 109th pick, acquired in a trade with San Francisco, the Vikings selected Iowa defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson. It’s the first of three fourth round picks the team (currently) has.
With Sharrif Floyd’s status in question, the Vikings were looking for a 3-technique tackle in the draft, so this pick fills a need.
Here’s what folks around the web are saying about the Vikings’ (first) fourth round pick:
Spencer Hall
CBS Sports
Grade: B+
“Good value here in the fourth round … helps to replace Sharrif Floyd. ”
WalterFootball.com
Grade: B+
“Make that two solid picks to start off the fourth round. The Vikings had to address defensive tackle with Sharrif Floyd’s future in question. Jaleel Johnson is a solid 4-3 nose tackle who can stuff the run very well. I had him going later in the fourth round, so the range is right.”
John Breitenbach
Pro Football Focus
“Johnson is a reliable interior run defender. With a diverse pass-rushing skill-set — illustrated by his pass-rushing productivity mark of 10.4 (eighth in the class) — Johnson represents a defensive tackle with starting potential.”
Ben Goessling
ESPN
“There’s a case to be made that defensive tackle is the Vikings’ biggest question mark outside the offensive line, with Sharrif Floyd’s future in doubt, and Jaleel Johnson can step in and help at three-technique tackle if he’s able to use his strength effectively in the NFL. Johnson will likely compete with Datone Jones and Tom Johnson for playing time, and the Vikings should be able to expect the trio to provide a solid interior pass rush next to Linval Joseph.”