This week’s Senior Bowl festivities afford Vikings fans an opportunity to become initially acquainted with men who will soon be objects of infatuation for draft wonks.
It’s a fair certainty that when the Minnesota Vikings hit the clock in the 2016 draft they will first look to address the offense, probably the line or wide receiver.
It stands to reason then that when Viking fans take an initial look at the long list of prospects available in this year’s draft, their attention will naturally gravitate toward wide-outs and big uglies.
Put another way, get yourself ready for lots and lots of discussion/debate/arguing about offensive tackles and wide receivers.
Of the players participating in this week’s Senior Bowl, I picked out these five for an introductory looking-over. We’ll learn a lot more about these players as the process unfolds, and some of what we learn may even be of value.
1. Spencer Drango – OT – Baylor
The offensive line was a major worry for the Vikings in 2015, as Teddy Bridgewater’s various bruises can attest, so it seems logical that they would look to add talent in that area early in the draft.
Baylor offensive tackle Spencer Drango (6-6, 320) is one player the Vikings may target.
Scouting reports praise Drango for his footwork and awareness while pointing out his deficiencies in terms of raw quickness. Many scouts are convinced that Drango projects best as a guard in the NFL.
There are concerns that Drango is not explosive enough to play left tackle at the next level. The Vikings currently have a left tackle who is often criticized for lacking the quickness and explosion to handle good edge rushers.
2. Jason Spriggs – OT – Indiana
Indiana Hoosiers tackle Jason Spriggs (6-6, 305) is viewed as a very athletic player who may be limited scheme-wise at the next level.
Though most scouts agree that Spriggs moves very well, there are concerns about his technique and most think he will have to bulk up for the NFL.
Scouts are going to give Spriggs a slight downgrade on the argument that players who performed in the spread at the college level often have a difficult time transitioning to the NFL.
3. Leonte Carroo – WR – Rutgers
The Vikings should and probably will target a receiver in the first couple rounds of the draft, but what type of receiver should they go after?
Teddy Bridgewater’s limitations as a deep passer became evident last year after multiple missed downfield connections with Mike Wallace, leading some to believe the Vikings should avoid falling into the trap of spending a pick on a speed receiver, and instead target a player with all-around skills.
Rutgers WR Leonte Carroo (6-0, 205) may provide an intriguing option if the Vikings do look to go receiver in the first few rounds.
Carroo is neither the tallest nor the fastest receiver, nor is he necessarily the most accomplished as a route-runner, but scouts agree that he possesses tremendous strength and uncanny ball skills.
For the Vikings, a player like Carroo who can out-leap or out-fight defensive backs might be more valuable than a pure burner who can get behind the defense but may seldom see the ball come his way.
There are character concerns about Carroo, who was arrested for domestic violence last September.
4. Joe Haeg – OT – North Dakota State
Draft wonks are already falling in love with Joe Haeg (6-5, 313), this year’s obligatory underdog FCS offensive line prospect.
Given that Haeg is a North Dakota State product, it’s safe to say a lot of Viking fans are going to zero in on him as well.
Scouts like Haeg’s foot quickness and intelligence but wonder about his lower frame and hand-use.
It’s unlikely that Haeg will climb all the way to the first or second round, but he could be there in the third if the Vikings are looking to address their offensive line without necessarily using a high pick.
5. Sterling Shepard – WR – Oklahoma
Oklahoma WR Sterling Shepard (5-10, 193) is the guy for whom the term “tough little bugger” was invented.
Shepard’s video shows he’s not afraid to put his head down and break tackles, Percy Harvin-style. He’s not afraid of carelessly leaping over would-be tacklers or diving head-long for tough passes.
In other words, you don’t have to worry about this guy ever giving up or wimping out like some other receivers we can possibly name.
Lots of people fall in love with the vaunted size-speed combo but when looking to build a receiver corps, you can’t overlook the less-imposing effort players who possess tremendous instincts and good hands. Shepard seems to fit that bill.