3 Vikings Draft Picks Yet To Sign Rookie Contracts
By Adam Carlson
With today’s signings of Anthony Barr, Teddy Bridgewater, Shamar Stephen and Brandon Watts, that leaves only three members of the Minnesota Vikings draft class left unsigned.
Here are the 3 Vikings draft picks who haven’t signed yet:
Sep 7, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers defensive end Scott Crichton (95) before the game against the Hawaii Warriors at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Scott Crichton, defensive end from Oregon State – The first of the Vikings 3rd round draft picks at #72 overall, Crichton is a relentless pass rusher that adds more tenacity to Minnesota’s defensive line. Not only is he an excellent pass rusher, but he is very efficient at stripping the football from opposing players, capturing 10 forced fumbles at Oregon State. He will be very useful in head coach Mike Zimmer’s defensive rotation.
Nov 23, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Georgia Southern Eagles quarterback/running back Jerick McKinnon (1) reacts after he ran the ball in for a game winning touchdown during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Georgia Southern Eagles defeated the Florida Gators 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jerick McKinnon, running back from Georgia Southern – The other third round pick is perhaps the biggest boom or bust pick from this draft class. Although he was selected #96 overall, the former quarterback/running back was taken before much more polished prospects at the running back position. Still, McKinnon’s extremely impressive physical abilities could make him a very effective member of the Vikings.
Oct 26, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Antone Exum (1) on the sideline during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Antone Exum, cornerback/safety from Virginia Tech – Exum is a low risk prospect as a 6th round pick (#182 overall). Although he primarily played cornerback at Virginia Tech, it is expected that he will contest for the starting safety job opposite Harrison Smith this year. He dropped in the draft after suffering a torn ACL in January of 2013, otherwise he would have been a much more sought after prospect.
The Minnesota Vikings and their fans should not panic that these three gentlemen haven’t been signed yet. Normally, Minnesota is one of the last teams to sign the Vikings draft picks to deals, but for some reason they seem to be getting done very early this year.