5 defensive tackles the Vikings could select in the 2019 NFL Draft
By Matt Falk
Isaiah Buggs (Alabama)
Measurements:
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 306 pounds
2018 Stats:
- 52 tackles (13.5 for a loss)
- 9.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Buggs is one of the most mysterious defensive tackles in the entire 2019 NFL Draft class. He is the type of guy that really wouldn’t surprise anyone if he went as early as round three or as late as round six.
While he produced some eye-popping numbers at Alabama, teams aren’t convinced he can do the same in the NFL. The biggest knocks on Buggs are his short arms (30 and 7/8 inches) and the talent that surrounded him at Alabama. If teams can get past these negatives, there is plenty to love about him.
The 6-foot-3, 295 pound defensive lineman played end for Alabama, but he will be a guy that kicks it inside in the NFL. He is an extremely powerful big man who packs a punch.
While he might not live up to the sack numbers he put up at Alabama, he can hold his own at getting to the quarterback and he also can be a very solid run stuffer. One of the best traits of Buggs is his fire on the field. He is extremely competitive and he loves laying a big hit.
Buggs would probably step in for the Vikings and add some nice depth at defensive tackle. He could possibly be a rotational guy as a rookie, but nothing more.
Give him a year or two and he could possibly push for a starting spot along the defensive line. But realistically, Buggs would be a guy that could come in and light a fire and add some quality depth.