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With the NFL Draft just 50 days away, it’s time to take a break from the quarterback speculation and look at the talent available in April. Daniel House breaks down eight options across a variety of position groups.
Updated: March 7, 2018, 5:10 p.m.
By: Daniel House
By: Daniel House
With the NFL Draft just 50 days away, it’s time to take a
break from the quarterback speculation and look at the talent available in
April. After watching the combine and tape on a few prospects, the Vikings have
plenty of options at a variety of positional needs. Of course, the quarterback decision
will shape the way they approach everything, so I provided a wide swath of
options based upon a range of possible outcomes. Each of these players address
a positon of need, while thinking about how strategy could play a role in the
Vikings’ decision-making. As the draft approaches, stay tuned for more
breakdowns on a few of these players I highlighted.
Let’s dive in:
Billy Price, C/OG, Ohio
State
The Ohio State center gained a high volume of attention
during his career with the Buckeyes. After suffering a torn pectoral muscle
during the bench press drills at the Scouting Combine, Price may be unavailable
for four months. However, his talent could still justify first round conversation.
He has the same physicality and mean streak the Vikings found when the selected
fellow Ohio State product Pat Elflein last year. Minnesota met with Price at
the combine and he fits the Vikings’ blocking scheme well. He plays with above
average strength and his football IQ stands out on tape. Price had no trouble
handling stunts or twists inside, which is an important trait for the next
level. Despite his injury, Price played in more than 50 consecutive games at
Ohio State and durability shouldn’t be a major question mark. If anything, the
injury may cause him to slide slightly – just enough for the Vikings to add
another solid Ohio State offensive lineman. Drafting Price would allow
Minnesota to insert him at guard, while keeping Elflein at center and Mike
Remmers at right tackle.
Austin Corbett,
OT/OG, Nevada
If the Vikings elect to address another position in the
first round, Nevada product Austin Corbett is an option in the second or third round.
Fire up Corbett’s tape and you’ll see a player with an incredible mean streak.
He drives through defenders and is always searching for work. He adds this physicality
to an already athletic skill-set. Corbett ran an impressive 5.15 40-yard dash
at 305 pounds. He played left tackle at Nevada, but will translate best to
guard in the NFL. His versatility and experience at two positions are
attractive to a team like the Vikings. He also displays high football IQ like
Price, which is important to the Vikings. Any pressure which came his way was identified,
especially against late switches by the defense. His mean streak, paired with
above average pass protection skills are a reason Minnesota should strongly
consider drafting him.
Da’Ron Payne, DT,
Alabama
There might not be a player I’m more intrigued about than Da’Ron
Payne. He has size and athleticism inside to fit perfectly into Mike Zimmer’s
defense. Payne might not be available when the Vikings pick, but if a run of
quarterbacks occurs, there’s a chance. His athleticism is off the charts for a
player that weighs 311 pounds. Payne ran a 4.95 40-yard dash at the combine,
while adding a 107-inch broad jump, 4.71-second shuttle and 7.58-second
three-cone drill. Those numbers jump off the charts. Vikings GM Rick
Spielman and defensive coordinator George Edwards were at Payne’s pro day to
see his talent on display.
He plays with so much power and may use his hands better
than any prospect in the draft class. Payne is the type of player which
requires the attention of double teams. More importantly, he can play both
three and one techniques, adding to his versatility. The Vikings are one
three-technique defensive tackle away from putting their defense in another
tier. Payne needs to develop as a pass rusher, but his ability to stop the run
is unmatched. Defensive line coach Andre Patterson could do wonders with him.
The idea of pairing Payne with Linval Joseph is a scary thought. If the Vikings
miss on Payne, Taven Bryan is a name to watch. I’ll be profiling him in a
future post.
Isaiah Oliver, CB,
Colorado
Many people are having nightmares when they think about what
happened to the Vikings’ secondary in the NFC Championship game. Philadelphia
shifted their splits inside enough to force the Vikings into less favorable
press coverage situations. It was a good scheme decision by the Eagles, but
Minnesota should definitely look to add more capable cornerbacks. Isaiah Oliver
fits the size mold (6-foot-1) Mike Zimmer looks for when he is evaluating defensive
backs. To go along with the size, he has 4.5 speed, which is respectable for
his skill-set. He has 33 4/8” arms and all the traits Minnesota actively searches
for in a defensive back. His workout at the combine caught my attention as a
perfect fit in the Vikings’ defense. Oliver is a very aggressive and physical
player, who would complement Xavier Rhodes well. Perhaps the Vikings will
decide to address the secondary early in the 2018 draft. You can’t have enough
talented defensive backs, right?
Jaire Alexander, CB,
Louisville
Another defensive back which may be intriguing is Louisville
cornerback Jaire Alexander. He would be a second or third round option in the
draft. Alexander is a player who could adequately fill the nickel cornerback
position. The Vikings could move Mackensie Alexander outside to the boundary,
which is a natural fit for him. Jaire Alexander possesses 4.38 speed, is aggressive
when playing the ball, and has a ton of the quick twitch skills teams looks for
when evaluating defensive backs. He tested better than almost all of the
defensive backs at the combine. More importantly, he flashed at Louisville as a
punt returner. The Vikings should be actively searching for position players who
could also help improve the return units. Alexander certainly doesn’t possess
the size or weight traits, but his athleticism and instincts make up for it.
Another name to keep a close eye on is Auburn cornerback Carlton Davis, who
tested well at the combine.
Courtland Sutton, WR,
SMU
The Vikings may decide to add a physical wide receiver,
especially if they decide it may be time to move on from 2016 first round draft
pick Laquon Treadwell. Courtland Sutton tested well at the Combine and his tape
provides intrigue. He will likely be a second round pick and could go higher
after his strong testing in Indianapolis. Sutton is one of the better contested
catchers in the draft class. He has a wide catch radius and is a threat across
the middle or in the red zone. Some of his tape looks less impressive because
he played with such a widely inaccurate quarterback at SMU. He reminds me of
Alshon Jeffery with his 6-foot-4, 218-pound frame. He also tested well in the
cone drills and ran a 4.55 40-yard dash with his size. On tape, Sutton uses subtle
movements at the top of his routes and and quick bursts to separate. He has the
chance to be a dominant player at the next level, especially when he refines
himself as a route runner. He is the style of wide receiver the Vikings
currently lack right now.
Lamar Jackson, QB,
Louisville
Much of what the Vikings decide to do at the quarterback position
will shape how they approach free agency and the draft. If they miss out on
Kirk Cousins, they may elect to re-sign Case Keenum, while drafting a future
quarterback. Lamar Jackson is arguably one of the most intriguing players in
the draft because of his upside. On tape, you see the arm strength, ability to
go through his progressions and the lethal athletic ability. If a team can
refine his mechanics, Jackson has the chance to be a very special player. As I discussed in a recent post, Jackson might make sense for the Vikings if their quarterback
search goes in a different direction. However, I’m growing convinced the team
have a legitimate shot to land Kirk Cousins. Perhaps it will be a short-term
deal (three years) with part of the salary being front-loaded to alleviate the
cap space beyond 2018. If it gets too rich for the Vikings’ blood, Lamar
Jackson might be a possibility if he slides to No. 30.
John Kelly, RB,
Tennessee
Finally, the Vikings may decide to part ways with Jerick
McKinnon, who is likely searching for an increased workload. If they make this
move, they’ll need to draft a replacement. Latavius Murray will probably be
asked to restructure his deal, but a third down running back is still needed.
An under-the-radar prospect is Tennessee running back John Kelly. He shows excellent
balance and light feet, but doesn’t shy away from contact. He runs with great
pad level and plays larger than his size (5-foot-9). Kelly’s pass protection
stood out on tape and he broke a plethora of tackles behind a poor offensive
line. When he was asked to catch passes, his route running was also above
average. The Vikings could add him in the fourth or fifth round if McKinnon
departs, which is becoming increasingly likely. Kelly might not stand out right
away, but he’s an under-the-radar player the Vikings should closely evaluate. Kelly
didn’t run the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, so it will be worth seeing what
his number is at Tennessee’s pro day.
All the mock drafts and draft speculation will change so dramatically a week from now. I like some of these names but there's so much unknown right now. For those who read this, you may want even more speculation. www.purplebizonsports.com has some more for you in the feature posts section!
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