NFL Draft: Vikings Reportedly Hosting DT Marcus Hardison

Add another defensive lineman to the list of draft prospects visiting the Vikings. And this one is someone the Vikings have shown interest in before.

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Per Alex Marvez, the Vikings on Tuesday will host Arizona State defensive tackle Marcus Hardison. Marvez says Hardison will meet with the Lions when he gets done with Minnesota.

The 6-3, 305-pound Hardison is viewed as a high-ceiling prospect who is presently a bit unpolished. Hardison’s pure athleticism really stood out at Arizona State pro day (via CBSSports.com):

"The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Hardison is a bit of a defensive end in a defensive tackle’s body, showing impressive quick-twitch athleticism for a man of his bulk. He was clocked in the high 4.8s to mid 4.9s on two attempts at the 40 yard dash and came in at 4.65 seconds in the short shuttle and 7.29 seconds in the 3 cone drill. Hardison’s quickness makes him one of the more intriguing interior pass rushers among this year’s defensive tackles."

The Vikings were on hand to watch Hardison at ASU pro day and D-line coach Andre Patterson even ran Hardison’s drills.

Though Hardison clearly has solid physical tools, there are questions about his ability to play the run. This could limit Hardison to spot duty at least initially.

Knowing Mike Zimmer’s affection for versatile linemen, it’s easy to see why the Vikings would be so high on Hardison, a player who could be moved around to multiple positions and provide pass rush ability at all of them.

The Vikings last year drafted Scott Crichton in the third round but Zimmer has indicated that Crichton turned out to be less versatile than he expected. If the Vikes do draft Hardison, who currently projects as 3rd-to-5th rounder, Crichton might have a hard time even making the team.

Next: Zimmer Works With Byron Jones (Video)

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