Vikings Select DE Stephen Weatherly in 7th Round

Photo Courtesy of Zimbio

The Vikings added a pass rusher to the roster by selecting Vanderbilt defensive end Stephen Weatherly with the 227th selection of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Updated: April 30th, 2016 5:01pm

By: Daniel House

The Vikings added a pass rusher to the roster by selecting Vanderbilt defensive end Stephen Weatherly with the 227th selection of the 2016 NFL Draft.

In 2015, Weatherly started in all 12 of his appearances, notching 46 total tackles (9.5 for loss) and 3.5 sacks. At 6'4", 267 pounds, Weatherly brings pure length and athleticism to the table. He played in 36 total games, starting 21 over his three year career at Vanderbilt.

Weatherly started at defensive end for two years before moving to OLB in Vanderbilt's new 3-4 scheme. He has experience playing on both the right and left side at the college level.

With the Vikings, Weatherly sees himself playing defense end, but does have experience at outside linebacker under his belt too.

"Definitely defense end," said Weatherly. "I came in the first two years under James Franklin we played a 4-3 and played defense end. When Mason came in he moved all the defensive ends to outside linebackers, but I fell most natural at defensive end."

Weatherly's measurables might be his greatest attribute. He has a 83.5" wingspan, 34.4" arms, ran a 4.61 40-yard dash, and notched a 1.59 10-yard split.

Also notable are his endeavors in music. Weatherly has played flute, clarinet, trombone, baritone, trumpet, tuba, steel drums and piano. He also coordinated and ran his high school robotics team that went to nationals.

Overall, Weatherly has excellent athleticism and experience playing multiple positions during his collegiate career. Weatherly is a great fit and developmental project for defensive line coach Andre Patterson. He hasn't reached his full potential and could be groomed into a rotational pass rusher in Mike Zimmer's defensive scheme.