Justin Layne (Michigan State)
- Size: 6-foot-2, 192 pounds
- 2018 Stats: 72 Tackles, 1 INT, 15 Pass Breakups
Mike Zimmer likes big corners so he should definitely be smitten with this Spartan. Layne is a long-limbed defender with good quickness and recognition skills. He is very quick when breaking on the ball carrier, and is a fluid mover who can change directions quickly.
Layne is a very good tackler who hits hard. He can support the run and is a good blitzer off the edge. While Layne is big, he’s a bit on the skinny side, and teams could question his overall durability. He could stand to pack on some good muscle weight and get stronger in the process of bulking up.
Layne is considered a second to third round prospect. If the Vikings address their offensive line with the 18th overall pick, what they do in the second and third rounds becomes much more wide open. They have other needs like wide receiver, linebacker, and running back that could be addressed, or they could go with the best player available. Rick Spielman could proclaim that to be Justin Layne and that would do nothing but put a smile on Mike Zimmer’s thin little lips.