The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings draft 2017: Post free agency mock draft

By Jordan Reid

Aug 12, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A detailed view of the Minnesota Vikings logo on a helmet in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A detailed view of the Minnesota Vikings logo on a helmet in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers offensive lineman Dan Feeney speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers offensive lineman Dan Feeney speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Consistency, this is the one word that describes former Indiana guard Dan Feeney. A two-time team captain for the Hoosiers, Feeney has proven his worth while in Bloomington. Playing in 46 career games, 41 at right guard and five at right tackle.

At 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, what stands out about Feeney is his power, footwork and awareness. Rarely caught out of position, he is a lineman where a defensive front or structure rarely confuses him. Considering that he has played in 46 career games, you see on film that he is helping identify defensive fronts.

His awareness and ability to direct traffic is why many argue he may be best suited at center, similar to Chicago Bears 2016 second-round selection Cody Whitehair. I don’t think that move is necessary because Feeney has shown that he is most comfortable at right guard, but there is no denying that his traits translate well to becoming an NFL starting center if that is what the team that drafts him asks him to do.

The one aspect I love the most about Feeney is his ability to play in space. Many NFL guards aren’t able to consistently pull and block defenders on the perimeter, but the two-time All-American shows that he is fully comfortable with moving under control in space.

Dec 28, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Mitchell Paige (87) is lifted up by offensive lineman Dan Feeney (67) after scoring a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Mitchell Paige (87) is lifted up by offensive lineman Dan Feeney (67) after scoring a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

With NFL offenses becoming more up-tempo, it is vital that offensive lineman are able to move in space. Many teams are moving away from the body structures of guards of the late 1990s and early 2000s, who were known strictly as “road graders”.

The rise of concussions in the NFL are a concern and the NFL has implemented a strict concussion protocol for players and team doctors. Feeney missed six games last season due to a concussion, but his medical checks at the NFL combine came back clean, which was a major plus for his draft stock.

Feeney is one of those offensive lineman prospects that is going to be a starter at right guard for a franchise for 10 to 12 years. His consistency, awareness and leadership throughout his collegiate career is unheralded.

Combine Results:

  • Height:  6-foot-4
  • Weight: 305 pounds
  • Arm Length: 33 3/8 inches
  • Hand Size: 10 1/4 inches
  • Best 40 Yard Dash: 5.24 seconds
  • Bench Press: 26 reps
  • Vertical Jump: 28 inches
  • Broad Jump: 101 inches
  • Three Cone Drill: 7.52 seconds
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.68 seconds

NFL Comparison: David DeCastro

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