Vikings Draft Targets 2012: Wide Receiver Mario Louis

Aaron Wilson of Scout.com reports the Vikings have shown an interest in Grambling wide receiver Mario Louis. The 6-foot, 190 pound Louis averaged 22 yards per reception and caught 18 touchdowns for a 2011 Grambling team that went 8-4 and won the SWAC championship. He ran a 4.56 forty at his pro day and registered a 36-inch vertical. He currently projects as a late round pick/undrafted free agent, but his stock could surge as more teams scramble to load up on receiver talent. The Packers and Lions are also reportedly intrigued by Louis, a former basketball player who only has two years of football experience.

The term “project player” was invented for guys like Mario Louis. He first went to Grambling with no intention of playing sports, but after goofing around in some intramural games, he was convinced by friends to walk on to the football team. Despite being in his own words “a deer in the headlights,” within two years Louis had become arguably the best receiver in the SWAC, displaying good speed and acrobatic leaping ability. Grambling coach Doug Williams said of Louis, “[He’s] Just one of the most explosive players in black college football, for sure, and any college, to be honest with you. Here’s a guy who, every week, he’s going to get the football.”

It’s a big jump from the SWAC to the NFL though. It’s highly unlikely the super-raw Louis would come in and give the Vikings an immediate downfield presence, but with seasoning he could develop into a real weapon. Add his name to the bottom of your notebook for draft day.

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