Minnesota Vikings targeting Germain Ifedi in first round?

The Minnesota Vikings are among several teams showing strong interest in Texas A&M offensive tackle Germain Ifedi.

The Vikings will almost certainly go wide receiver in the first round, but if they don’t, could Texas A&M offensive tackle Germain Ifedi be the pick instead?

Ifedi is not a player we’ve heard much about thus far, but in recent days he’s been getting a lot more attention not just from mock drafters but teams around the NFL, including the Vikings.

The Vikings visited with Ifedi on Thursday according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. The Dolphins, Texans, Bears, Lions, Seahawks, Panthers, Titans and Jets all have expressed interest in Ifedi.

Also taking note of Ifedi (6-6, 324) is ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper, who had the tackle going #20 to the Jets in his latest mock. Kiper noted Ifedi’s “prototype frame for an NFL left tackle.”

Kiper’s remark on Ifedi’s left tackle potential is interesting given that most other experts think Ifedi projects only as a right tackle or a guard.

Ifedi started out as a guard at Texas A&M then moved outside to right tackle. A&M then tried flipping Ifedi over to left tackle but quickly moved him back to the right.

The scouting reports on Ifedi note his tremendous length, power and agility. Scouts note that Ifedi sometimes shows sloppy technique both with his hands and feet and will need a lot of coaching at the next level to clear up his bad habits.

What we have here in Ifedi is an example of a physically gifted player who represents a bit of a quandary for people trying to project him to the next level.

How much should we make of A&M’s failed attempt to flip Ifedi to left tackle? With the right coaching, could Ifedi become a left tackle in the NFL?

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These are questions that Rick Spielman and his scouts likely are asking themselves right now. It’s apparent that they are intrigued by Ifedi’s talent, as are a lot of other teams.

That being said, I have a hard time believing the Vikings will look at any position other than wide receiver in the first round of the draft. Ifedi is an interesting prospect to consider because of his physical tools but I don’t see him joining the Vikings unless he slides into the second.