Six 2017 Senior Bowl prospects for the Minnesota Vikings to watch
By Jordan Reid
Long, athletic and rangy – those three traits are what the Vikings scouting department seem to value the most when evaluating linebackers. With the past draft selections of Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks and the free-agent acquisition of Emmanuel Lamur, the position is the best it has been in recent memory.
With Chad Greenway expected to retire in the coming weeks, the team has a void to fill at outside linebacker. The 34-year-old veteran’s best days are behind him and it is evident. It is now time to look for an upgrade.
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Louisville hybrid Josh Harvey-Clemons is an interesting case. Checking every box the Vikings look for in its prospects, he has the size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), quickness, and instincts the team covets.
Harvey-Clemons biggest battles have come off-the-field. He started his career at the University of Georgia in 2014, but after repeated marijuana offenses he was dismissed from the team.
Since transferring to Louisville, there have been no off-the-field incidents reported and the former five-star prospect turned into the focal point of the Cardinals’ defense.
What makes Harvey-Clemons intriguing is his ability to be a three-down “tweener”. Meaning that his versatility enables him to be on the field in running or passing situations.
Next: Should the Vikings re-sign WR Cordarrelle Patterson?
Scheme flexible, Harvey-Clemons has a chance to improve his stock in Mobile this week in multiple drills as a safety and linebacker.
- NFL Comparison: George Iloka/Shaq Thompson
- Projected Draft Range: Fourth-Round