Nov 27, 2020; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book (12) passes the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Chazz Surratt (21) pressures in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
With the 78th pick of the NFL Draft, the Vikings have picked linebacker Chazz Surratt out of North Carolina. Surratt is one of the most interesting stories in this draft class. He went to UNC originally as a quarterback, but he transitioned to linebacker due to his size and athleticism. He is a very underrated three-down defender, and he is a heat-seeking missile for ball handlers, which allowed him to record 115 and 91 tackles in 2019 and 2020.
Surratt is as athletic as they come out of the linebacker position. He is twitchy and is able to rush passers as well as drop back in coverage. With Anthony Barr’s contract restructure, the Vikings could have a need at the LB position next season. Surratt is well worthy of a chance to fill that spot. Barr has been most effective in run defense, and Surratt has proven to be effective in that area as well. He hits lanes hard and blows up outside run plays.
The Vikings still have two additional third-round picks, but Surratt was certainly worth a mid-third rounder. As the Vikings come back on the clock, Uffda! Sports will have all the coverage of the final two picks of the night!