5 late-round sleepers the Vikings could select in 2019 NFL Draft

LJ Scott – RB (Michigan State)

The loss of Latavius Murray has left a big hole for the Vikings when it comes to a running back who can get the tough yards. Which ends up making Minnesota a likely candidate to go running back shopping during this year’s draft.

History has shown that waiting until the later rounds for a ball carrier can be a genius move, gone are the days of teams reaching for running backs in the early rounds.

LJ Scott has the big size (6-feet, 227 pounds) and strength you love to see in a bruising back. Despite this lack of big numbers at Michigan State, he has proven that he can carry the load.

He plays angry and he can get the tough yards, and while he won’t wow you with his speed or playmaking ability, he would be a perfect compliment to a guy like Dalvin Cook in 2019.

Not only can Scott make plays with the ball in his hands, but he just so happens to be a very good pass blocker. Adding a guy like Scott, who can provide as much help as possible in creating time for Kirk Cousins, will be a huge factor when it comes to which running back prospects Minnesota is looking at this year.

Scott might never be a No. 1 back in the NFL, but he does have the tools to be a great sidekick to a more dynamic back like Cook. With Cook carrying the majority of the load for the Vikings, Scott can be the guy who comes in for the tough yards and plays a similar role to what Murray did for the team during the past two seasons.

Draft Projection: Seventh round

(For more NFL Draft-related content from Matt Falk, head on over to SkolHole.com and check out his work.)