5 defensive ends the Vikings could select in the 2019 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Jaylon Ferguson (Louisiana Tech)
Measurements:
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 271 pounds
2018 Stats:
- 65 tackles (26 for a loss)
- 17.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Ferguson possesses three key aspects to be a great defensive end in the NFL; speed, power, and super long arms. Ferguson explodes off the football and he is strong enough to plow through double teams. He can get to the quarterback in a jiffy and then envelope them with those tentacles he calls arms.
Ferguson was extremely productive during his college career. Critics may point out the level of competition in Conference USA, but his numbers are impressive nonetheless.
During his time at Louisiana Tech, he had 187 tackles, 67.5 tackles for a loss, and 45 sacks. He is very experienced since he started every game in college except for his freshman year where he only started five. This experience shows up on tape as he can anticipate where the play will go and find the ball carrier quickly.
Ferguson is a prospect who should come off the board in round two this year. He is likely going to play with his hand in the dirt in a 4-3 defensive front but some teams who run a 3-4 scheme could look at him as an outside linebacker.
Like other prospects on this list, the Vikings would have to find undesirable options at other positions to take this defensive end in the second round.
If they do go this route though, Ferguson would be a gift. His natural pass rush ability and experience could get him on the field as a rookie much sooner and more often than many think.