Stat projections for the Minnesota Vikings’ 2019 rookie class

Cameron Smith – LB

Analysis: 

Smith isn’t the most athletic linebacker in the world, but he boasts good overall size and is a smart, instinctive player.

Prediction:

• 7 total tackles, 16 games played

Smith will make the final 53-man roster and he will be used primarily on special teams as a rookie. He will get some time on defense late in the season and he will rack up a few tackles here and there.

Armon Watts – DT

Analysis: 

The Vikings needed to add a defensive tackle at some point in this year’s draft and they did it in round six with this big ol’ dude from Arkansas. Watts is massive, but he’s pretty quick off the ball and he can cause some interior pressure as well as stuffing the run.

Prediction: 

• Practice Squad

Not sure there is a role on the active roster for this guy in 2019. This is someone who Minnesota should stash on the practice squad for a season and then see how he progresses in year two.

Marcus Epps – S

Analysis: 

The Vikings took this safety in the sixth round to add some needed depth to their secondary. He has good range, is a solid tackler, and he is a productive blitzer off the edge.

Prediction:

• Practice Squad
  

Epps will have to battle former AAF safety Derron Smith in training camp to be the fourth safety on Minnesota’s 2019 roster. He’s got a fair shot to beat him out, but the Vikings may opt to not even keep four safeties on the team. Epps’ future, for 2019 at least, will be on the practice squad.

Oli Udoh – OT

Analysis: 

Minnesota needed to add depth at offensive tackle and they used their third sixth-round choice on this large blocker from somewhere called Elon. Udoh is 6-foot-5, 323 pounds and he’s super experienced. Although, the level of competition he faced can be brought into question.

Prediction:

• Active for all 16 games, no starts

Udoh has a pretty good shot to make the Vikings’ final 53-man roster this year. Behind Rashod Hill, Minnesota’s tackle depth is razor thin and he’ll be battling guys like Storm Norton and Adam Bisnowaty to make the team.

Hopefully, for the Vikings, Udoh doesn’t have to start any games in 2019, but he could develop into a very good back up.