Vikings Select Clemson Safety Jayron Kearse in 7th Round

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The Minnesota Vikings concluded the 2016 NFL Draft by selecting Clemson safety Jayron Kearse with the 244th selection in the 7th round. 

Updated: April 30th, 2016 5:37pm

By: Daniel House

The Minnesota Vikings concluded the 2016 NFL Draft by selecting Clemson safety Jayron Kearse with the 244th selection in the 7th round.

Kearse was a two-year starter at strong safety who was also a member of several special teams units. He had 87 total tackles with one interception in 2015. He was named first-team All-America from the AP and ESPN.com. Additionally, the coaches voted him as first-team All-ACC. He plays very fast and can cover tight ends in the flats. Kearse plays with confidence, but is very slim with a 6'4", 215 pound frame. He is a very physical player that is willing to throw his body in the pile. According to several scouting reports, Kearse has decent coverage skills. However, his skinny frame, along with his recognition skills are being put into question.

According to Kearse, joining the Vikings is a great fit for him. He is particularly looking forward to the opportunity to work with Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer.

"Ready to be coached up by Mike Zimmer," said Kearse.

Aside from his length and confident playing style, Jayron Kearse seems ready to prove other NFL teams wrong.

"Definitely getting a player like me, you get a player that is going to give everything he got," stated Kearse. "Plus, it was in the late rounds, so it's definitely going to be known as a steal."

Kearse has bloodlines in the NFL, as his uncle is former NFL All-Pro Jevon Kearse.

Kearse said the main attribute he learned from his uncle Jevon was to stay determined.

"No matter your circumstances, you can still do anything that you put your mind to," reiterated Kearse.

Additionally, his cousin Phillip Buchanon once played in the NFL with Oakland. Kearse will also join former teammate Mackensie Alexander who was drafted in the second round by the Vikings last night.

In Minnesota, Kearse could compete with Andrew Sendejo, Michael Griffin, and Anthony Harris for the starting safety spot alongside Harrison Smith. The seventh round pick is looking forward to earning his spot.

"That's great. I'm glad it's up for grabs. That gives me a fair chance to go in there and get it," concluded Kearse.