Latest ESPN mock draft sends Vikings a linebacker
The needs for the Minnesota Vikings are widespread, especially on the defensive side of the football. The intrigue with their needs is how many of them get accentuated with the Vikings trying to get under the salary cap.
ESPN’s Matt Miller sees the Vikings going in a slightly different direction than we have seen in mock drafts this year. He has the Vikings selecting Arkansas LB Drew Sanders. Here is what Miller had to say about Sanders to the Vikings.
“Another year with an early playoff exit despite regular-season dominance should have the Vikings back to the drawing board in terms of the roster build and what is needed to get over the hump. One area that multiple NFL scouts have pointed to is the play and age at linebacker. Jordan Hicks and Eric Kendricks will play next season at 31, and only two teams allowed more yards per play (5.9) in 2022.
Sanders transferred from Alabama and immediately became a defensive leader at Arkansas. When I visited the school last fall, the defensive staff raved about his instincts and toughness. He became a three-down player with 9.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and 111 tackles in his first season as a starter. The 6-5, 232-pound junior is still developing as a linebacker but has the potential to be a force in the NFL.”
The profile of Sanders is interesting, as he has drawn comparisons to Anthony Barr. Is he the best profile for a middle linebacker? Not necessarily, but his length in the passing game would come in handy.
