Minnesota Vikings 2017 NFL draft recap with grades and analysis
By Jordan Reid
"With the 180th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Danny Isidora, guard, Miami."
The leader of the Miami offensive line since 2014, “rock solid” is the best definition for Danny Isidora. With 39 starts at right guard in his career, it is a position that he has grown accustomed to. A two-time team captain and three-year starter, Isidora has those leadership qualities that you look for.
Many coaches mention that they love offensive lineman who show a motor and have a mean streak within them, that is exactly what you get with Isidora. At 6-foot-3, 306 pounds, he has the ideal frame for a zone-blocking scheme guard.
Danny Isidora was No. 5 guard on PFF draft board. 3rd down pass-blocking efficiency rating of 99.4 2nd among guards. #Vikings #NFLDraft
— Warren Ludford (@wludford) April 29, 2017
Possessing good footwork and awareness, on film, you can tell that he is a natural guard. He is always alert and aware of things that are going on around him or stunts/twists defenses are trying to perform against him.
Where Isidora must improve is his technique and pad level. He has a tendency to raise up out of his pass sets, allowing defenders inside of him and knocking him backwards.
Isidora’s balance and needs a bit of work to as he’s a bit of a “waist bender”. He has tendencies to lunge forward and duck his head at the point of attack when engaging with defenders.
Having a fourth-round grade on Isidora and getting him in the fifth-round was a steal. He provides depth at right guard with Joe Berger and Jeremiah Sirles. The camp battle will be between Isidora and Sirles to be Berger’s successor in 2018.