The Viking Age
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Vikings Draft 2017: Final mock draft and Top-50 big board

By Jordan Reid

Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Iowa won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Iowa won 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

"With the 120th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Jaleel Johnson, defensive tackle, Iowa."

After having one of the worst performances of any defensive lineman at the combine, Johnson’s stock slipped a ton. Before the combine, he was garnering late first-round discussions, but that quickly vanished after his poor showing. On film though, Johnson is a terror.

He was the first Iowa defensive lineman to lead the team in sacks since Mike Daniels in 2011. Not a bad comparison, as Daniels has been a solid pro for the Green Bay Packers. Another reason why some are critical of Johnson is his lack of getting a consistent pass-rush. Against the run, he is phenomenal. Routinely showing he’s able to read blockers and the maintain leverage against offensive lineman

Johnson shows glimpses of being disruptive, combined with having heavy hands, enabling him to control blockers at the point of attack. You would love to see Johnson show his mean streak more consistently, but that is doable with proper coaching and a stable environment.

Walking into surroundings consisting of a good nucleus in veterans Linval Joseph, Everson Griffen and Brian Robison, Johnson will have the proper mentors and teammates to help establish himself and push him to the best of his abilities.

The Vikings are in need of a defensive tackle. With Sharrif Floyd’s injury concerns, Tom Johnson turning 33-years-old next season, and Datone Jones looking to be a rotational player at both defensive tackle and defensive end.

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