ESPN’s Jordan Reid just dropped a new two-round mock draft following this year’s NFL Combine and he has the Vikings loading up on defense with their first two picks.
Let’s jump in and see what kind of team Reid believes the Vikings will be building in the post-Kwesi era.
Round 1, Pick 18: DT Caleb Banks, Florida
Banks has seen his draft stock soar since he put on a show at this year’s Panini Senior Bowl. He absolutely needed it, as well, following an injury-riddled final season with the Gators.
At 6’6 and 327 pounds, Banks has an explosive
snap off the line that was exhibited in his 32” vertical in Indy. The 9’6” he posted in the broad jump was also excellent for a player of his size. Just take a look at his relative athletic score (RAS) below. It ranked 34th out of 2,046 defensive tackles since 1987. That’s a very, very strong performance and bodes well for his future.
With the Vikings reportedly set to release veteran Javon Hargrave if they cannot find a trade suitor, it’ll open the door for a player like banks to come in and immediately make an impact in Brian Flores’ defense.
Round 2, Pick 49: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Rodriguez may end up being one of the best players from this draft class. Yes, I know that sounds crazy, but his athletic profile and production combination is really, really strong.
While at the combine, Rodriguez posted a 4.57 in the 40, a 38.5” vertical, and a 6.90 in the three-cone drill. The latter number being the best among all linebackers and the only one to finish under seven seconds.
In the photo below, check out the other linebackers in Pro Football Focus history to record a run defense grade above 88.0, a coverage grade of 80.0 or better, and a relative athletic score of 9.50 or better. When you’re in small company with Fred Warner of all people, you’re likely in the right track.
In his last two seasons with the Raiders, Rodriguez totaled 255 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five interceptions, 10 pass breakups, 10 forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries with two of them returned for scores. He was as disruptive as any defender in the entire country and somehow he looks like he can be had for a second-round pick.
So what do you all think of these picks from Reid’s new mock? Would you be happy? Content? Ecstatic? Underwhelmed? Let us know all of your thoughts below!
