Saturday, April 30, 2016

Vikings Select Wide Receiver Moritz Boehringer of Germany


The Vikings selected wide receiver Moritz Boehringer of Germany with their first selection in the sixth round. 


Updated: April 30th, 2016 3:00pm

By: Daniel House


The Vikings selected wide receiver Moritz Boehringer of Germany with their first selection in the sixth round.

He is the first German player selected in the history of the NFL Draft and will compete for a roster spot in the Vikings' receiver corps.

Throughout the draft process, Boehringer made it clear he was a Viking fans growing up and was inspired to play the game by Minnesota running back, Adrian Peterson. Moritz was holding out hope his phone would ring with the Vikings on the other line.

"I hoped that I'd get drafted by the Vikings," replied Boehringer.

He first started playing football competitively in 2013 and most recently played for the Scwabisch Hall Uncicorns of the German Football League. In 2015, he hauled in 70 passes for 1,461 yards, and 16 touchdowns. Additionally, Boehringer was named the German Football League's Rookie of the Year in 2015.

At 6'4", 229 pounds, Boehringer brings size and playmaking ability to the Vikings' wide receiver group. Early in the draft process, Minnesota attended his pro-day at Florida Atlantic and met extensively with him. Boehringer ran an impressive 4.4 40-yard dash and tallied a 39" vertical. All while having a massive frame and overall body structure. He is very confident in his skills and had a quick response when asked to describe how he plays the game.

"Big, physical, fast guy with good hands," said Boehringer.

When asked who Boehringer admires and models his game after, he mentioned two current NFL wide receivers.

"A.J. Green -- I really like A.J. Maybe Julio Jones," added Boehringer.

It is unclear how well he will transition to the professional level, but the Vikings were willing to give him a chance to compete in the NFL. He knows he'll need to improve his knowledge of the game as he makes the transition to America.

"To improve my overall football knowledge," stated Boehringer.

With a limited playbook of 70-80 plays in Germany and no experience against NFL-level competition, Boehringer will have a long journey to land a spot on the Minnesota Vikings roster in August.

No matter what happens, being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings is a dream come to true for the life-long Viking fan.

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