The Viking Age
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Five questions about Vikings DT Jaleel Johnson with FanSided’s Iowa site

By Adam Carlson

Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings chose defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft. FanSided’s Iowa site explains what he brings to the team.

One of the biggest question marks for the Minnesota Vikings entering the 2017 NFL Draft is the defensive tackle position. With Sharrif Floyd’s future in question, the team needed to bring in at least some depth or competition at the spot.

The team addressed that need in the 4th round of the draft when they selected Iowa’s Jaleel Johnson. However, not all fans of the Vikings may be familiar with his play or know what kind of potential he brings to the team.

We reached out to Joe Favia of FanSided’s website Dear Old Gold, which covers Iowa sports to get the lowdown on Johnson and learn more about what drafting him could mean for the Vikings going forward.

Here are the 5 questions we asked him along with his responses:

1) What are some of the positive things that Jaleel Johnson will bring to the Minnesota Vikings?

“Jaleel was the anchor for the defense for some pretty good Iowa teams, including a group that went 12-0, and ended up in a Rose Bowl in his first season as full-time starter. He rarely comes off the field, and for an interior lineman has a flair to make a couple huge plays throughout the game. A lot of questions about the DT position arose after Carl Davis who’s with the Ravens went to the NFL. Jaleel Johnson answered the bell.”

Are there any major reasons the team should be concerned about this pick, on or off the field?

“Character is one of the major strength’s. Johnson played for two programs in high school and college that had long tenured coaches, and structure. They are no glaring flaws in his game. He’s not a ‘space eater’ like Pat & Kevin Williams, but I think the talented linebackers in Minnesota will like him.”

Overall, what kind of player did the Vikings get in the 4th round by selecting Johnson?

“I believe the Vikings are getting a dependable starter that can have a successful career. Is there Pro Bowl potential? I wouldn’t make that projection just yet. But, I think they got great value with the pick.”

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What are some things about Johnson that Minnesota fans might not know, but should?

“Johnson was originally from New York. He recently was sporting a Rangers hat at the Iowa spring game. Also, he played high school ball with Jordan Westerkamp out of Nebraska who got signed by the Bucs recently.”

Do you feel Johnson will succeed at the professional level with the Vikings?

“I’m not willing to say he will have the transition that Chad Greenway had from Hawkeye to Viking, but I was thinking he was a second round pick. With the talented cast on defense that Mike Zimmer has, I think he can be a key piece.”

Next: Vikings 2017 schedule breakdown

Huge thanks go out to Joe Favia of Dear Old Gold for taking the time to answer these questions about Iowa defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson. You can follow FanSided’s Iowa website on Facebook and Twitter as well to get more information on Iowa sports.

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