Six 2017 Senior Bowl prospects for the Minnesota Vikings to watch
By Jordan Reid
Scouting offensive lineman will be a re-occurring theme for the Vikings this off-season. Arguably the weakest unit in the league, a major overhaul is needed along the front.
With offensive tackle being one of the strongest groups in free agency, expect for general manager Rick Spielman to make improvements at both guard spots and center through the draft.
A key off-season acquisition in 2016, Alex Boone signed a four-year, $26 million deal. The eighth-year veteran showed to be a capable starting left guard.
With Boone penciled in as a starter in 2017, that still leaves two spots to fill within the interior.
Joe Berger has shown to be the teams best starter, but turns 35-years-old in May. During the back-stretch of the season, Nick Easton stepped up at center, but was average.
LSU center Ethan Pocic doesn’t have the popular small, compact build like most NFL centers. Instead, he’s built like an offensive tackle (6’7″, 300). Pocic will be very intriguing for the Vikings.
A team in LSU that’s known for running the ball, Pocic excels in run blocking, but also is a technician in pass-protection as well.
Constantly creating run lanes, while also being tagged with setting the pass protection, Pocic is a prospect that should be high on the Vikings list as he provides the ability to be an immediate contributor.
- NFL Comparison: Nick Mangold
- Projected Draft Range: Second-Round