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2016 NFL Draft Profile: Jason Spriggs, OT Indiana

By Adam Carlson

Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad offensive tackle Jason Spriggs of Indiana (78) and tight end Henry Krieger-Coble of Iowa (82) in the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad offensive tackle Jason Spriggs of Indiana (78) and tight end Henry Krieger-Coble of Iowa (82) in the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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From an athletic standpoint, Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs is one of the most talented players in the draft, but how will he translate to the NFL? 

When people talk about guys who dominated the combine, they typically discuss players at higher profile positions like wide receiver or quarterback. However, Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs may have had the most eye-opening performance of any participant at the event.

Related Story: Minnesota Vikings sign former Bengals OT Andre Smith

Fast, nimble, and with a low center of gravity, Spriggs can be that “dancing bear” that many NFL teams look for at the left tackle position. He can use his footwork to keep between the quarterback and the pass rusher and he can do so while keeping his knees bent and feet ready to adjust to the next move coming at him. Spriggs is smart enough to watch a play develop and know where to be and how to finish the play.

Sadly, the big question mark about Jason Spriggs’ game is his strength. He is prone to getting overpowered by bull rushes and relies on his agility too often, which causes him to get knocked off balance by powerful defensive ends. Weirdly, he was one of the combine’s top participants in the bench press, but that kind of power hasn’t translated to his NFL game. For the professional level, he’ll need to work more on battling with his hands as well, instead of letting his body absorb the impact of plays.

Here are Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs’ numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Aug 30, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers offensive tackle Jason Spriggs (78) on the bench during the third quarter against the Indiana State Sycamores at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers offensive tackle Jason Spriggs (78) on the bench during the third quarter against the Indiana State Sycamores at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 6’6″

  • Weight: 301 pounds
  • Arm Length: 34 1/8″
  • Hand Size: 10 1/8″
  • 40 Yard Dash: 4.94 seconds
  • Bench Press: 31 reps
  • Vertical Jump: N/A
  • Broad Jump: 115″
  • 3 Cone Drill: 7.70 seconds
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.44 seconds

    • Jason Spriggs compares to:

    • CBS Sports: Nate Solder, Patriots
    • NFL.com: Ryan Harris, Steelers

    Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

    With very little insurance behind left tackle Matt Kalil this year, Minnesota may be looking for a solid backup or even a guy to push Kalil, who is in the final year of his deal with the Vikings. The team has the proper staff to develop a guy like Spriggs, and he could be a real gem if he slides on draft day.

    Next: 5 WR options for the Vikings in the 2016 NFL Draft

    My Take:

    It’s hard watching tape on Spriggs. On one hand, you see this agile guy who does everything he can do to keep between a defender and his quarterback. But on the flip side, he’s a player who needs to learn his strengths and probably won’t be a first year starter in the NFL because of that. This would make Minnesota an ideal landing spot for him, but I don’t like him at #23 overall. However, if the Vikings can snag him with their second pick, that would be a fantastic pick for the future of the franchise.

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