Image courtesy of Vikings.com
The Minnesota Vikings are back into the hunt for a wild card spot in the NFC after a thrilling comeback against the Carolina Panthers. Nevertheless, Minnesota fans should still start to familiarize themselves with 2021 NFL Draft prospects. Here are three college players that the Vikings might be calling next April.
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
6’4”, 315 lbs
Projected Round: 1st
Slater might end up being this year’s Mekhi Becton as a riser in the draft process. The Northwestern product has caught the eye of many draft evaluators. Slater has found a constant spot in offensive tackle rankings next to Oregon’s Penei Sewell as the top two tackles.
Length will constantly be brought up with Slater. It’s true, he has smaller arms than most tackles. Suggestions that he move to guard will happen. However, Slater’s intelligence and knowledge in blocking makes up for his physical deficiencies. He understands leverage very well in pass protection. Slater is powerful and knows when to use that power to stay balanced and be aggressive when necessary.
Slater chose not to play in the 2020 college football season. His 2019 tape includes success against former Ohio State and current Washington Football Team pass rusher, Chase Young. Slater didn’t allow a sack in 2019 for Northwestern. There’s a lot to like whether it be as a tackle or guard, and Slater certainly would help solidify Minnesota’s offensive line.
Jaylen Twyman, IDL, Pittsburgh
6’2”, 290 lbs
Projected Round: 3rd
Twyman is another player who opted out of the 2020 season. His 2019 season was stellar for Pittsburgh. In 13 games, he nabbed 10.5 sacks last season. As much as everyone wants the next best edge rusher, let’s be real, it’s easier and faster to get to the quarterback from the interior like Twyman does.
He wins by his burst at the snap into the neutral zone, and the way he uses his hands. Twyman contributes in the run game as well. However, that’s the area he needs to improve on more in his development. The tools are all there for Twyman; it’s now how he uses them.
David Moore, IOL, Grambling
6’2”, 320 lbs
Projected Round: 4th-5th
Every fanbase falls in love with the potential small school “steal of the draft.” Come April, David Moore from Grambling has a chance to be that guy. Generally when scouting a FCS player, the hope is that he grabs your attention right away. Moore does that.
Similar to Slater, Moore understands technique really well. He stays low to the ground while being able to control defenders. Moore will be able to make a name for himself in Mobile as he’s been invited to the Senior Bowl. It’d be nice to see an interior offensive lineman for the Vikings play as nasty and scrappy as Moore does in the tweet below.