2016 NFL Draft Profile: Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State

With the future of the offensive tackle positions up in the air for the Minnesota Vikings, could Ohio State’s Taylor Decker be a target for the team?

While some call it a “safe” pick to take a lineman, it is far from the case. There are so many missed first round draft picks when it comes to the offensive tackle position that is has almost become scary to select one. Of course, there is also the chance that the player selected can be an absolute stud.Hopefully, Ohio State’s Taylor Decker can prove to be a player to change the trend.

Decker is a big, powerful man on and off the field. It has been said that he is a locker room leader for his teammates as well as one of the most vocal players during the game. He attacks defenders, often throwing them backwards with power and ferociousness only to quickly move on to the next level to pick up another block.

There are still some issues when it comes to Decker though. When engaged with a defender or waiting for a body to block, the big man tends to stand up too high and get beat by being unprepared, especially when dealing with stunts and exotic formations. Still, none of his problems are things that can’t be corrected or worked on, as he should be a lock to be a first round selection.

Here are Taylor Decker’s statistics from the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Taylor Decker (68) during the first half versus the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 42-28. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 6’7″

Weight: 310 pounds

Arm Length: 33 3/4″

Hand Size: 10″

40 Yard Dash: 5.23 seconds

Weightlifting: 20 reps

Vertical Jump: N/A

Broad Jump: 101″

3 Cone Drill: 7.70 seconds

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.76 seconds

Taylor Decker compares to:

CBS Sports: Jack Mewhort, Colts
NFL.com: Sebastian Vollmer. Patriots

Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

Right now, the future of the offensive tackle position for the Vikings is up in the air. Still, Decker is a road-grading offensive tackle that could be the answer to the team’s question at right tackle. Sadly, he doesn’t project to be a left tackle, where Minnesota could need a lot of help if a deal can’t be made with Matt Kalil. The Vikings should pass on Decker if available and look to other ares of need for the team during the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: 5 moves the Vikings should make in free agency

My Take:

Fans of the Purple People Podcast know that I love offensive line work. Heck, I usually lobby for offensive line help every single draft and get frustrated when it doesn’t happen with early picks. Still, I don’t think a right tackle is the right way to go with the Minnesota Vikings first round pick. A competetion between Clemmings and Loadholt will happen there and add

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