5 late-round sleepers the Vikings could select in 2019 NFL Draft
By Matt Falk
Andrew Wingard – S (Wyoming)
Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris will be returning as the Vikings’ starting safeties when the 2019 season begins. Behind them on the depth chart, they have veteran Jayron Kearse and newcomer Derron Smith.
While Kearse has proven he can play when called upon, Smith is a bit of an unknown and he has an uphill battle to make the roster.
We all know Minnesota loves to have as much depth as possible when it comes to the secondary. While I can’t see them spending an early-round pick on a safety this year, I can see them sniffing around the position in the mid to late rounds.
Wingard is a fan favorite. He is a scrappy player that lays it all on the line every single play he is on the field. For what he doesn’t have in athletic ability, he more than makes up for it with heart and effort.
During his four years at Wyoming, he racked up 10 interceptions, four sacks, and 454 career tackles. Yes, 454 tackles, showing that this guy is all over the field and always around the ball.
When all is said and done, Wingard will likely come off the board somewhere during the seventh round. But don’t let that fool you, he could absolutely make an NFL roster as a rookie. He has the ability to add depth at the position and easily be an instant star on special teams.
Draft Projection: Seventh round