Vikings Prospect Player Card: Will Hernandez | OG | UTEP

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Apr 25, 2018
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: University of Texas – El Paso
  • Position: G
  • Projected round: 1-2
  • Age: 22

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  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 330 lbs.
  • Arm: 32″
  • Hand: 9 7/8″

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  • Bench press: 37 reps of 225 pounds
  • 40-yard dash: 5.15 seconds
  • Vertical jump: 24 inches
  • Broad jump: 8 feet, 8 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 7.59 seconds
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.70 seconds

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Vikings Interest: 9/10

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  • Hernandez has a solid base and a very thick frame. He’s considered a “people mover” in the run game.
  • He brings a very physical presence to the trenches.
  • Elite upper body strength as evidenced by his bench press at the combine.
  • Excels at both run blocking and pass blocking.
  • Started 49 straight games at left guard for the Miners.
  • He’s very athletic and agile for his weight (330 lbs.).
  • After studying Hernandez in November when Pro Football Focus’ first mock draft projected him to the Vikings, his performance against NFL-level competition in the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine further solidified his draft position as an early round pick.
  • PFF graded Hernandez as the nation’s top guard, and pass blocker, of 2016. In 2017, he made their All-American team.

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  • Hernandez lacks ideal height and length. He has short arms and small hands.
  • Lateral quickness may be a minor concern at the next level.
  • His quality of competition at UTEP was lower than that of big conference prospects.
  • Has been labeled by scouts as “over-aggressive” at times, causing him to miss his blocking assignments.
  • May be best-suited in a power gap scheme.

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Bottom Line:

Hernandez is likely an immediate starter with a high ceiling.

Potential OL starters:

LT Riley Reiff – LG Nick Easton – C Pat Elflein – RG Will Hernandez – RT Mike Remmers

More Prospects: