2013 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings a “top suitor” for DE Tank Carradine

Tony Pauline of TFY Draft Insider lists the Minnesota Vikings as one of the “top suitors” for Florida State DE Tank Carradine.

"Pauline says that “The fit with the Vikings makes sense considering several of their defensive ends are entering the final year of contracts.”"

The Vikings have bigger needs at MLB, CB, DT and WR then to spend a first round pick on a Defensive End, but the fact that all three top Defensive Ends (Jared Allen, Brian Robison and Everson Griffen) are potential free agents next offseason is concerning.

The Vikings could work to resign one or two of them before the season starts but the position could be rebuilt with younger players.  A Tampa 2 base defense is largely successful when the front four linemen create pressure without blitzing from the back seven.

In case you aren’t familiar with DE prospect Tank Carradine, here is Pauline’s scouting report on him.

September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Cornellius Carradine (91) forces South Florida Bulls quarterback Matt Floyd (11) to fumble the ball during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the South Florida Bulls 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Cornellius “Tank” Carradine

School: Florida State

Position: DE

Height: 6-4

Weight: 276

40: 4.79

Year: 4Sr

Bio: Junior-college transfer who moved into the starting lineup as a senior and was awarded all-Conference honors after totals of 80 tackles/13 tackles for loss/11 sacks. Also added nine quarterback hurries. Suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during the last game of the season. Junior totals included 31/8/5.5.

Positive: Explosive defensive end with a well-rounded game. Quick off the snap, possesses outstanding movement skills and displays terrific technique getting off blocks. Easily slides down the line to make plays, possesses a terrific burst, and fast off the edge. Plays with good pad level, tough to move off the point and quickly changes direction. Always on balance, forceful, and shows the ability to bull rush blockers off the line. Consistently gets leverage on opponents, sifts through the trash, and finds a way to get to the action.

Negative: Lacks great bulk and will be overwhelmed by larger linemen. Presently dealing with serious knee injury.

Analysis: Carradine was forced into the starting lineup last season then showed exceptional development on a week-to-week basis. He’s an every-down lineman with the ability to defend the run, rush the passer, or chase the action in pursuit. If he quickly recovers from the knee injury suffered in November, Carradine should swiftly move into a starting lineup at the next level.

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