Vikings Select Miami OG Danny Isidora in the 5th Round

Photo: 24/7 Sports 

The Minnesota Vikings have selected Miami guard Danny Isidora with their second fifth round pick (#180). 

The Minnesota Vikings have selected Miami guard Danny Isidora with their second fifth round pick (#180). Isidora was a three-year starter at right guard for the Canes and made 39 consecutive starts to close out his career. He earned second-team All-ACC honors during his senior at Miami.

He played exclusively at right guard and was a dependable starter at Miami. Isidora has the tendency to play off balance and struggled when he was matched up with power, according to the NFL.com scouting report. He is a very instinctive player and has light footwork when he gets to the second level, the report said.

Isidora said he had some contact with the Vikings, but not anything too extensive.

“I had a little bit of contact with them at the combine,” Isidora noted. 

According to PFF, Isidora didn't allow a pressure in 9 of 13 games he played in 2016. He only surrendered 9 sacks in 1,376 snaps. He will be an option for the Vikings at right guard. The big question will be how he holds up against powerful interior defensive linemen. This has been a problem in the initial tape I watched. However, he is durable, instinctive, and has the size to match up with NFL-caliber players.

“I think I’m a physical player, I think I’m fast, I think I understand the game," Isidora said.

He battled through a meniscus tear during his college career, but making excuses isn't a part of his game.

“It’s not my job to make excuses, I need to go out there and do my best no matter what," he said.

Ultimately, the Vikings added depth at right guard by drafting Isidora, which gives them more flexibility and competition up front.