Minnesota Vikings: Grades and analysis for the 2019 NFL Draft
By Adam Carlson
Round 6 – Pick 190
Armon Watts, defensive tackle – Arkansas
Watts’ 6’5 and 300-pound frame allows him to showcase his toughness while still being able to use his feet well to move horizontally. Good hands are another great trait, but there is some concern about his lack of experience. Thankfully, a Mike Zimmer defense is a great place to learn and develop.
This draft class had a ton of talented interior defensive lineman, which is great because it means taking one in the later rounds is a great value. Armon Watts would have been ranked higher if not for the deep value at the position, so getting him in the sixth round is quite a value, especially when NFL.com had him at a fifth to sixth round value.
Grade: B
Round 6 – Pick 191
Marcus Epps, defensive back – Wyoming
The first really surprising pick happened right here, where projected safety Marcus Epps was selected. While safety is a need for the team and Epps recognizes plays well, his response time to plays needs improvement and his size makes him a less than ideal final line of defense. However, after he does react, he is decisive and able to adjust his directions well.
NFL.com saw Epps as a priority free agent while CBS.com doesn’t include him at all in their listings. There must be something else Mike Zimmer and the Minnesota Vikings really liked when they evaluated him.
Grade: D+
Round 6 – Pick 193
Olisaemeka Udoh, offensive tackle – Elon
For the third time in the draft, the Minnesota Vikings address the offensive line. Even after bringing back Rashod Hill for the year and Brian O’Neill looking great as a defensive tackle, the sixth round is a great place to grab a project offensive tackle to groom for the future.
Udoh has a ton of power and great size. At 6’5 and 323 pounds, he looks like the prototypical offensive tackle teams look for. However, he has to work on his timing as well as technique if he wants to succeed in the NFL. For that reason, he was a sixth-round projection by NFL.com and the 180th overall prospect from CBS Sports, making him a solid value in this spot.