The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings draft 2017: Post-Senior Bowl mock draft

By Jordan Reid

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the number one overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad offensive tackle Antonio Garcia of Troy (53) battles defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon of Villanova (92) in a blocking drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad offensive tackle Antonio Garcia of Troy (53) battles defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon of Villanova (92) in a blocking drill during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Villanova defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon is the visual definition of a “Mike Zimmer guy”. Measuring at 6-foot-7, 280 pounds at the Senior Bowl, he was one of the clear winners of the weigh-in.

Most scouts knew that he would win the weigh-in, but many wanted to see how he stacked up against offensive lineman other than the FCS competition he faced in his collegiate career.

Kpassagnon passed the test, as he consistently showed his power, moves, and ability to bend the edge and rush the passer.

What makes the first team AP All-American selection a “Mike Zimmer guy” is that he is considered long, athletic and he looks the part of an NFL defensive end. Kpassagnon is a similar prospect body-frame and trait-wise to Danielle Hunter.

Both possess similar traits, but neither knew how to use their traits in their favor.

Jan 26, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad offensive tackle Conor McDermott of UCLA (68) battles defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon of Villanova (92) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad offensive tackle Conor McDermott of UCLA (68) battles defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon of Villanova (92) during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

With Hunter recording 18.5 career sacks in his first two seasons, the Vikings’ brass could find Kpassagnon as an intriguing mid-round prospect.

Once Zimmer and defensive line coach Andre Patterson are able to coach him to use proper technique and his traits to his advantage, Kpassagnon could become an above average NFL pass rusher.

Danielle Hunter seems to be the future at the defensive end spot on the Vikings depth chart. Everson Griffen is approaching the back-end of his five-year, $42 million extension he signed in 2014.

Despite Brian Robison having another productive season in 2016, he seems to be headed towards a restructured contract and a reduced role next season.

Outside of Hunter, Griffen and Robison, there are not any reliable defensive ends on the depth chart.

NFL Comparison: Michael Johnson

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