The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings 2017 NFL draft recap with grades and analysis

By Jordan Reid

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings owners Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf along with general manager Rick Spielman against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings owners Mark Wilf and Zygi Wilf along with general manager Rick Spielman against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-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 109th 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 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 Minnesota 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.

Grade: A

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