The Vikings continue to do tons of work on outside linebackers and defensive ends as they prepare for this year’s draft. That includes working out a small-school prospect from the neighboring state of North Dakota.
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Per Tony Pauline, the Vikings were among many teams on-hand to watch Kyle Emanuel at Friday’s North Dakota State pro day. The Vikings will reportedly have Emanuel in for a work out on Monday.
On Friday Emanuel worked out at multiple spots including one offensive position (via Walter Football):
"Kyle Emanuel was the hot property at North Dakota State’s pro day as the small-school star, who sat on his combine numbers and just did position drills, was worked out at three separate positions.Besides doing defensive line drills, the Philadelphia Eagles worked him at linebacker drills. The team feels Emanuel can line up on the outside or in the middle of their scheme.The Jacksonville Jaguars put Emanuel through fullback drills."
The 6-3, 255-pound Emanuel was a top performer at the combine in the bench press, doing 27 reps. His other combine numbers:
40: 4.77
Vertical: 34 inches
Broad Jump: 120 inches
3-Cone: 7.10
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.25
60-Yard Shuttle: 11.78
NFL.com sees the high-motor Emanuel as a potential 4-3 Sam linebacker but notes there are some scouts who think he will be limited to only playing 3-4 OLB at the next level:
"Small-school prospects often come with inflated statistics, but Emanuel’s tape shows a combination of motor and skill that should be respected inside NFL buildings once he’s studied closely. Emanuel has the leverage and hips to get under tackles and turn the corner, but his explosion off the snap will be tested."
Emanuel is rated as a late-round prospect. He has good size and obviously has some physical tools and might make a nice backup linebacker/special teams player.
In addition to Emanuel, the Vikings recently took a good look at Utah OLB/DE Nate Orchard.
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