Vikings’ top seventh-round picks of the past decade

Jack White
·2 min read
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DT Shamar Stephen

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Shamar Stephen .Photo: AP Photo/Jim Mone

Stephen drew criticism from Vikings fans for less-than-stellar stats. He also struggled to plug up holes at times. However, Minnesota got plenty of value by taking him in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. Stephen played six seasons with the Vikings. He also played one with the Seahawks. This offseason, he signed with the Broncos.

S Jayron Kearse

Former Minnesota Vikings safety Jayron Kearse. Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports

Kearse was a useful reserve for the Vikings in 2019. He had an interception and six passes defended. With Harrison Smith and Anthony Barr back deep for Minnesota, Kearse wasn't going to have a big role. However, he did well in limited reps, especially in 2019.

WR Bisi Johnson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Olabisi Johnson.Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Johnson has worked his way up to being a wide receiver three at times for Minnesota. As a rookie in 2019, he ended up starting six games, finishing with 294 receiving yards. This past season, he had 189 receiving yards. He has provided good depth at the start of his NFL career.

DE Stephen Weatherly

Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Stephen Weatherly. Photo: Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports

Weatherly became a good option off the bench for Minnesota. He made it so that when either Danielle Hunter or Everson Griffen were on the sideline, opposing offensive lines were still giving up pressure. He signed with the Panthers last offseason, but he re-signed with the Vikings this year. Now, he has a chance to take on a big defensive role.

DE Ifeadi Odenigbo

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo. Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports

Odenigbo was drafted in 2017 and worked his way up to being a starter. His stint as a starter this past season wasn't perfect — he finished with just 3.5 sacks — but some of that can be contributed to the number of times he was double teamed. In 2019, he had a breakout season, tallying seven sacks in 368 snaps.

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