2014 NFL Draft Profile: Ra’Shede Hageman, DT Minnesota

Sep 21, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Ra

Football fans in Minnesota might already be very familiar with University of Minnesota defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman.  Although he doesn’t have the mass that many people expect from a prototypical nose tackle, he can command just as much attention as some of the best defensive tackles in football today.

He stands 6’6″ tall and weighs in at 310 pounds, but plays much larger than that.  He is strong, quick, and plays with a mean streak.  Sadly, he can also get too aggressive at times and can get called for penalties at the most inopportune times.  With the right coaching staff, he has the potential to develop into one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL.

Here are his statistics over four seasons at Minnesota:

Aug 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Ra

57 solo tackles

91 total tackles

10 sacks

1 interception

10 passes defended

2 forced fumbles

The first of Hageman’s four years at Minnesota are almost not worth mentioning. He played only a very slim role for the Gophers and ended the season with only 5 total tackles.  He seemed to improve every year he played at the college level and there isn’t much reason to think that he can’t continue to work hard to become a star in the NFL.

Strengths

• Physical strength
• Quick burst
• Good in any scheme
• Commands double teams

Weaknesses

•  Struggles with penalties
• Slow to change directions

Fit For The Vikings

Hageman would fill a need for the Vikings as their starting defensive tackle next to Sharrif Floyd.

My Take

If a coaching staff can get Hageman to play more disciplined football, he could be a second round steal for the Vikings.  He has a first round talent, but isn’t a consideration at #8 overall.