Vikings 2014 Rookie Preview: Jabari Price
By Ben Gotz
After taking a look back at how the Vikings rookies did in 2013 earlier in this offseason, it’s now time to look forward and see how the Vikings draft picks in 2014 could affect the team in the future.
Every other day for the next few weeks I’ll profile each of the Vikings draft picks, starting at the bottom and working my way up. For those that could be on the roster bubble I’ll look at what they’ll have to do to stick around Winter Park, and for the roster locks I’ll try to predict how they’ll fare in their rookie season!
First up is the Vikings final pick in the seventh round, Jabari Price.
Jabari Price, CB – North Carolina
Taken in 7th Round, 225th overall by Vikings
Height: 5-11; Weight: 200
40 Yard Dash: 4.44; Bench Press: 16; Short Shuffle: 4.30; 3-Cone Drill: 7.04
2010 Stats – 20 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 1 interception
2011 Stats – 16 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles, 0 interceptions
2012 Stats – 76 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception
2013 Stats – 80 tackles, 0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 0 interceptions
*Price has 26 passes defensed in 30 career starts
Scouting Report:
Price is a solid corner prospect from a good college program who has a chance to be a contributor at the next level. He doesn’t have any one standout trait though, which could prevent him from ever being more than a role player. Price is a good run defender, but that’s hardly a standout trait for a cornerback. Price has the versatility to play off or man coverage, but he doesn’t excel in either. He showed good instincts in college, but his actual ball skills are subpar. He’s been described as a “coachable” player as well, though his development year to year wasn’t very noticeable.
Spot on the Depth Chart:
Price will probably line up outside for the Vikings during training camp, and attempt to earn a role with the team’s dime package or on special teams. With 18 secondary players on the Vikings depth chart right now, Price may have a hard time standing out, especially since he lacks one dynamic or flashy characteristic.
Odds of Making Roster: Unlikely
The Vikings are going to have a lot of competition at defensive back this summer, and it’s hard to see Price sticking out from the pack. With a new coaching staff Price will likely get opportunities to stand out, but it’ll be a challenge for him to make the final 53.