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2016 NFL Draft Profile: Vadal Alexander, G LSU

By Adam Carlson

Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers guard Vadal Alexander (74) takes the field prior to the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers guard Vadal Alexander (74) takes the field prior to the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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LSU had a great rushing season and much of that could be attributed to the play of guard Vadal Alexander. Should the Minnesota Vikings be interested in him?

Vadal Alexander may not have the name recognition of former teammate La’el Collins, but he might be just as capable of a player. Shifting between guard and tackle for much of his college career, Alexander is likely better utilized at guard.

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After slimming down from his freshman weight, the LSU blocker showed a great combination of size and power that was a real asset in the run game. He’s an aggressive player, who attacks defensive players and finishes plays. Alexander knows when to release a block and move on to the next one, enhancing his value for run-first teams.

Discipline could be a big problem for Vadal Alexander. He’s not the best with his feet, so he often gets himself off balance by leaning into blocks rather than using his arms and squaring up to the defense. He needs to learn when to keep his feel moving and when to plant them against the tougher players he will face at the NFL level.

Here are LSU guard Vadal Alexander’s numbers from the events at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine according to NFL.com:

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU offensive lineman Vadal Alexander speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU offensive lineman Vadal Alexander speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 6’5″

  • Weight: 326 pounds
  • Arm Length: 35 1/4″
  • Hand Size: 10 1/2″
  • 40 Yard Dash: 5.57 seconds
  • Bench Press: 25 reps
  • Vertical Jump: N/A
  • Broad Jump: 95″
  • 3 Cone Drill: 8.04 seconds
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.90 seconds

    • Vadal Alexander compares to:

    • CBS Sports: Jamon Brown, Rams
    • NFL.com: John Jerry, Giants

    Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

    As a team always looking to make holes for former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson to run though, the Vikings could show some interest in Alexander. If he could be had with the team’s second round selection, he could be a solid pick if the team isn’t confident about the right guard position.

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

    My Take:

    I’m not sure Vadal Alexander should be what the Vikings are looking for in a guard. With already having several road-grading guards on the roster, the only reason to draft a guard early is if they have the potential to be a complete player to help the passing game develop along with the run game. It all boils down to whether or not they can make him a better pass blocker or not. A team desperate for help at guard will likely grab Alexander in the second round.

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