The Minnesota Vikings have been linked to defensive tackle Andrew Billings from Baylor, who is rumored to a first round draft pick target for the team.
Talent along the defensive line has always been something the Minnesota Vikings have looked for. Whether it is using a top draft pick on a guy like Sharrif Floyd or spending top dollar on a free agent like Linval Joseph, the team knows that building a great defense starts in the trenches.
With the 2016 NFL Draft right around the corner, this is the time of year when rumors run wild about players who are linked to certain teams or experts try to find a fit for prospects with different NFL franchises. Recently, a report surfaced that stated the Minnesota Vikings had interest in a big defensive tackle.
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It isn’t hard to believe that the Vikings would pursue players on the defensive line. The team has used other draft picks on defensive ends in the past and could look to add more depth, especially when it comes to a bigger, run stuffing tackle.
That’s why Baylor’s Andrew Billings makes sense for the Vikings. Following a great combine where he blew up the 40 yard dash. Just check out this tweet from NFL Network with the impressive run.
Andrew Billings is 6-1. 311lbs.
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2016
He played for @BUFootball.
And he just ran a 5.06u.
Big man can MOVE! #NFLCombine https://t.co/CgF7P6pRgP
Following that performance, Luke Rodgers of 247 Sports tweeted that the Minnesota Vikings had big ideas for the big man when they spoke with him during an interview at the Combine. Here is what he said:
#Baylor NT Andrew Billings said the #Vikings told him that if he is still on the board at pick #23 they will take him. #NFLCombine #NFLDraft
— Luke Rodgers (@thelukerodgers) February 27, 2016
As of now, it is uncertain as to the validity of the claim made by Rodgers, but there is definitely a likelihood that the team could have some interest in him to rotate with Linval Joseph and provide depth along the defensive line.
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The Minnesota Vikings will likely do a lot more research before the draft, but it’s easy to get smitten by athletic players who have great potential. While defensive tackle isn’t one of the team’s biggest needs, the Vikings have proven that drafting for need doesn’t always pay the best dividends and stockpiling talent can help a young team be successful.