5 defensive ends the Vikings could select in the 2019 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Clelin Ferrell (Clemson)
Measurements:
Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 264 pounds
2018 Stats:
- 55 tackles (20 for a loss)
- 11.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
There are some top-notch defensive ends who will come off the board in the first half of the first round this year and of those, this Clemson Tiger has the best chance of still being available at pick No. 18 for the Vikings.
Ferrell is a thickly built defensive end who was extremely productive throughout his career at Clemson as he racked up a total of 166 tackles, 50. 5 tackles for a loss, and 27 sacks.
He is a complete defensive end who is strong against the run and can also get after the quarterback. Ferrell uses his long arms to ward off his blocker and then work towards the ball carrier to make the tackle.
He is more of a power rusher at this stage of his game, plowing through would be blockers. Some teams are concerned about his lack of bend and overall agility coming off the line. He won’t be able to rely on solely on his power in the pros and he will need to get coached up on how to get around NFL tackles.
If Minnesota is sitting on the clock at pick No. 18 and all the juicy offensive line options are off the board, they could definitely look at this edge rusher from Clemson. He could be the heir apparent to Everson Griffen and give the Vikings more of a pure pass rusher than what they have in Stephen Weatherly.