What the Vikings can expect from their 2019 sixth-round picks

Marcus Epps – S (Wyoming)

Epps was a former walk-on at Wyoming, but he worked his way to become one of the Cowboys’ top defenders by his senior season. In terms of production, Epps looks worthy of a draft pick as he finished his college career with 324 total tackles (18.5 for a loss) and nine interceptions and he usually is in the right place at the right time to make a play.

While there are no official listings, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein notes that Epps was a, “plus tester,” at his Pro Day this year and that his athleticism should help him continue to be in position to make plays at the next level.

The downside for Epps here is his size. The former Cowboy stands at 6-feet and weighs in at 191 pounds. But weight is one of the easiest things to add at the NFL level. It’s just a matter of gaining the weight without losing the burst that makes Epps an intriguing prospect.

Zierlein also noted that his recovery speed needs work and certain techniques of his will need to be cleaned up in order to succeed.

Overall, Epps will be competing for a safety spot on the Vikings’ roster at training camp this summer. Minnesota already has Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris locked in as their starters and Jayron Kearse emerged in sub-packages as well as being a special teams contributor over the past couple of seasons.

If Epps can soak in Mike Zimmer’s tutelage quickly, it will go a long way in improving his chance at making the final 53-man roster for 2019.