1.2 Analysis
| On 6 years ago

Vikings Prospect Player Card: James Daniels | C | Iowa

By Sean Borman

Image courtesy of Vikings.com

As the NFL Draft approaches, Vikings Territory is taking a look at prospects that may interest the Minnesota Vikings. Since it’s evident the team would like to add a long-term offensive line starter at some point in the early rounds, let’s examine the players who could fit that mold.

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  • School: Iowa
  • Position: C/G
  • Projected round: 1-2
  • Age: 20

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  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 303 lbs.
  • Arm: 33 3/4″
  • Hand: 9 1/2″

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  • Bench press: 21 reps of 225 pounds
  • 40-yard dash: DNP (hamstring injury)
  • Vertical jump: 30.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9 feet
  • 3-cone drill: 7.29 seconds (2nd among OL)
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.40 seconds (1st among OL)

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Vikings Interest: 9/10

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  • Very athletic offensive line prospect who is physically gifted.
  • High football IQ. Consistent performer.
  • Has a football knowledge and pedigree that can’t be taught. His brother and father have played in the NFL.
  • Daniels is very young. He’ll be 20 years old when the 2018 season begins.
  • He has experience playing guard.
  • Impressed at the NFL Combine, clocking in among the top offensive linemen in quickness/speed drills.
  • Excels in a zone-blocking scheme.
  • Has an impressive wing span with above average arm length.
  • Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded run blocker among draft-eligible centers in 2017.

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  • According to his NFL draft profile, Daniels needs to add functional weight to his frame.
  • As evidenced by his bench press performance at the combine, he needs to add strength in order to handle being bull-rushed by nose tackles at the next level.
  • Needs to improve in pass protection and screen blocking.
  • Vikings already have a center. Daniels, who projects as a center in the NFL, would likely be moved to guard with the presence of Pat Elflein.

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Bottom Line:

Daniels is a young prospect that with added strength has the chance to become a Pro Bowl starter.

Potential OL starters:

LT Riley Reiff – LG Nick Easton – C Pat Elflein – RG James Daniels – RT Mike Remmers

More Prospects:

Sean Borman

Sean Borman is a writer with Minnesota roots that's a Vikings optimist. He was an intern with the Vikings during college and is an IT nerd by day. You can find him on the golf course during summer and on Twitter @SeanBormanNFL.

Tags: James Daniels Mike Remmers Nick Easton Pat Elflein riley reiff

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