Gophers Safety Brock Vereen to Visit Vikings

Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings added another safety this week by signing former Eagles safety Kurt Coleman, but it looks like they are not done looking at that position.

Former Minnesota Gopher safety Brock Vereen will visit with the team this week, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Vereen, the brother of Patriots running back Shane Vereen, is an athletic safety prospect who was a team leader throughout his college career for the Gophers.

Vereen has a lot of potential versatility as well, as he spent time at cornerback, nickelback, free safety, and special teams during his college career. Last year as a senior, Vereen finished with 57 tackles and an interception.

As an added bonus, he has experience with the stadium the Vikings will play in for the next two years, TCF Bank Stadium.

Vereen drew attention to himself at the Combine, where he ran the fastest 40 time among all safeties (4.47) and recorded more bench press reps than any other defensive back (25).

Rick Spielman was apparently very impressed with Vereen’s combine showing, saying he “really opened a lot of people’s eyes,” to NFL.com.

Vereen is currently scheduled to be a Day Three selection, and is the No. 141 player available in the draft on CBS Sports’ draft rankings.

Vereen has also drawn interest in the Steelers, as he visited the team last week according to Rapoport.

If Vereen ends up being drafted by the Vikings, his athletic ability could make him a nice developmental project for Mike Zimmer, as clearly he has exciting natural talent and NFL bloodlines.

Vereen wouldn’t be the first former Gopher defensive back to join the Vikings either, with Marcus Sherels receiving a nice extension from the team this offseason.