Minnesota Vikings: 5 players to watch at the Combine

With the NFL’s 2016 Scouting Combine one week away, there are five players that fans of the Minnesota Vikings should be keeping an eye on during the event.

The 2015 NFL season is in the books and now teams like the Minnesota Vikings can focus on getting their team together for the 2016 season.

Looking forward, there are several big dates coming up for the team, including the Combine, NFL Draft, trading day, and opening day of free agency. The Combine is uniquely important because this is when a player can make a big impression on a team by showing off their skills on one of the biggest days of these young college prospects’ lives.

While every player on hand will have a chance to impress, here are five players that Minnesota Vikings fans should be watching at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine:

Josh Doctson, WR – TCU

If you’ve taken a look at mock drafts for the Minnesota Vikings this year, odds are that you’ve seen the name Josh Doctson listed as the projected first round pick. Doctson has some impressive highlight reels from his college games, but will need to prove that he is working on getting stronger and has great speed and acceleration. If he can do this, he will be a day one selection at the 2016 NFL Draft. If not, he could be there on day 2.

Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) is introduced before the game against the Texas Longhorns at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Shawn Oakman, DE – Baylor

No prospect is likely to draw a wider range of opinions at the combine than the 6-8, 276 pound monster that is Oakman. Physically, he is an intimidating player who definitely looks like an NFL player. However, many analysts aren’t sure he’ll be a dominating force at the professional level. If he can put on a freakish display of athleticism at the Combine, he could be one of the first players off the board at the 2016 NFL Draft.

Jack Conklin, OT – Michigan State

It isn’t a very well-kept secret that the Minnesota Vikings will be looking for help on the offensive line this year. With the status of Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt up in the air, as well as an offense that struggled to produce yardage, the team might look to upgrade the left tackle position. If he can show off some fancy footwork at the combine, he should cement his status as one of the first offensive linemen to have his name called.

Vernon Adams Jr, QB – Oregon

There are many reasons not to draft Adams. Many teams could be put off by his lack of size, as he is only listed as 5’11” by Oregon and may come up shorter when officially measured at the Combine. However, those squads could be missing out on a unique talent to grow and develop. His elusiveness, improved accuracy, and pocket presence are things that could help the Minnesota Vikings gamble on him in the rounds 6 or 7 of the draft.

De’Runnya Wilson, WR – Mississippi State

If you look at his measurables, you see a player with a ton of physical ability that is just waiting to break out of his shell. Sadly, at the college level he displayed a lack of high-end speed that could make him a much more appealing selection in the draft and help his stock soar. However, if the Minnesota Vikings want a big-bodied pass catcher who can box out DBs and catch jump balls, Wilson could be their man on day two of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: 5 free agents who should return to the Vikings

The 2016 NFL Scouting Combine begins on February 23rd and runs through the 29th, with the running backs, offensive line and special teams working out on Friday, Saturday featuring the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends, Sunday focusing on the defensive line and linebackers, and Monday being used to evaluate the defensive backs.

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