Minnesota Vikings: 5 surprise players who could make roster
By Josh Zinger
Zach Moore, DE
“We’re trying to look for traits at that defensive end position. Pass rushers that have length, that are extremely athletic,” Rick Spielman said in a recent interview. He then continued on to say, “I wouldn’t forget about the kid from Concordia, Zach Moore.”
And why would they forget about him? With a 6’6″, 280 pound frame and a 4.84 forty-yard dash, the 25-year-old fits that description to a T.
From a height-weight-speed standpoint, Moore offers all of the tools that Minnesota looks for is a pass rusher.
When the Vikings signed him to their practice squad last year, they looked at him as a young developmental prospect with significant physical gifts to work with.
Now, with a year in the system under his belt, it sounds like Moore might be ready to make the jump up to the active roster.
The path won’t be easy, as former third-round pick Scott Crichton, veteran Justin Trattou, and intriguing rookie Stephen Weatherly are all likely in the competition for the final two defensive end spots.
The fact that Spielman went out of his way to sing the praises of Moore certainly bodes well for him, however.
Ultimately, Moore’s upside should be enough to get him a serious look for the final roster.