5 late-round sleepers the Vikings could select in 2019 NFL Draft
By Matt Falk
Dakota Allen – LB (Texas Tech)
The linebacker position will be on the Vikings’ radar all throughout the draft weekend. Yes, they have Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, but behind them, the depth chart gets thin very quickly. Expect Minnesota to be looking at adding a linebacker more than once during this year’s draft.
If you watched the Netflix series Last Chance U, then the name Dakota Allen might ring a bell. Allen had quite the journey during his college career, bouncing around from Texas Tech to East Mississippi Community College and then back to Texas Tech. But one thing is clear, wherever he was playing he was making an impact.
Allen is an inside linebacker who has good athleticism and consistently plays at a high level. What I really like about Allen’s game is his ability to wrap up players and put them in the dirt.
He has a ways to go when it comes to pass coverage and his speed will be a concern, but he has the tools to play in the NFL.
While I wouldn’t expect Allen to come in and fight for a starting spot on the Vikings’ roster in 2019, he could be an extremely good special teamer for them that could also offer depth at middle linebacker.
Draft Projection: Sixth round