Robert Nkemdiche: Vikings would consider DT in first (Report)
By Dan Zinski
Robert Nkemdiche could be a surprise pick by the Vikings in the first round according to a draft insider.
According to Tony Pauline of Draftinsider.net, the Minnesota Vikings could have a big surprise for everyone in the first round of the draft.
"While everyone has seemingly mocked a wide receiver to the Minnesota Vikings in Round 1, recent reports by the team say they are not locked on to a receiver at that spot. Yesterday, sources told me the Vikings will consider Robert Nkemdiche in Round 1 if he’s still available when they are called to the clock."
The 6-3, 294-pound Nkemdiche has been compared to current Vikings DT Sharrif Floyd. He’s considered an explosive player at the 3-tech, but there are major concerns about his character after a highly-publicized incident where he fell from a hotel balcony while apparently intoxicated and was busted for marijuana possession.
Because of his character red flags and some concerns about his lack of production in college, the talented Nkemdiche is not considered a lock as a first round pick. However, several teams are believed to be intrigued by his potential to develop into a dominating NFL player.
One team that has been connected to Nkemdiche is the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals currently pick #29 but it’s believed they are looking to trade up.
Is it possible the Vikings are looking to make a deal with the Cardinals and are floating stuff about Nkemdiche out there in an effort to spur Arizona toward pulling the trigger?
What might the Vikings be seeking from the Cardinals in a trade scenario? Maybe veteran WR Michael Floyd.
In a semi-related item, the New York Jets are reportedly looking at WR Josh Doctson with the #20 overall pick. The Vikings are believed to be high on Doctson.
Next: Jets looking at Doctson?
The rumors – and potential smokescreens – are flying fast and furious as expected. Robert Nkemdiche would be an interesting pick for the Vikings. But it’s possible he is not really on their radar at all and they are simply floating reports, hoping to create a tradedown scenario.