5 defensive ends the Vikings could select in the 2019 NFL Draft

Zach Allen (Boston College)

Measurements:

Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 281 pounds

2018 Stats:

• 61 tackles (15 for a loss)
• 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble

Allen is fun to watch on tape for many reasons, but the one that really sticks out is just his size. A lot of defensive ends are long and lean, that is not Allen. He is long, but he’s got a big ol’ pot belly on him and wide child-bearing hips, and that makes it much more enjoyable when seeing him close as quickly as he does on quarterbacks and ball carriers.

This guy is a brute out there. His big frame can power past blockers, but he’s also quick. Allen is very fast off the snap and he can fly by his man before they are even out of their stance. He’s a surprisingly good athlete overall and at times he has dropped into coverage and snagged a couple of interceptions.

Allen had a very productive run at Boston College. He racked up a total of 199 tackles, 40.5 tackles for a loss, and 16.5 sacks during his time at the school.

There are questions as to what type of defensive front he would do best in. But he’s so smart and quick to diagnose plays, he’d likely succeed wherever he’s asked to play.

Again, it still seems like a long shot he ends up on the Vikings. Allen is likely a second-round talent and Minnesota has more pressing needs to address this year.

That being said, if he falls to round three and the Vikings deem him as the best player available, he’d be a fun and productive addition to Mike Zimmer’s defense.