The Viking Age
FanSided

Four 2020 NFL Draft prospects for the Vikings to watch in Week 11

By Luke Parrish

COLLEGE STATION, TX - OCTOBER 12: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Trevon Diggs (7) lines up during the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas A&M Aggies on October 12, 2019 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX - OCTOBER 12: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Trevon Diggs (7) lines up during the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas A&M Aggies on October 12, 2019 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
(Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Alex Leatherwood
(Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Alex Leatherwood /

Alex Leatherwood – LT (Alabama)

vs. #2 LSU

  • When: Saturday, November 9 at 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL
  • TV: CBS

There is still a noticeable problem on the offensive line for the Vikings this season. Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood is a stud up front and he has experience both on the interior and at tackle.

Leatherwood entered the season as Alabama’s starting left guard, but he has spent considerable time at left tackle as well. The 6-foot-6, 310-pound mover is exactly what Minnesota needs. He is a powerful paver up the middle with a big frame to help in the run game.

This weekend, he will be challenged with the task of slowing down the LSU pass rush. If he can keep up with the speed of K’Lavon Chaisson, Alabama will be in good shape.

Pat Elflein has struggled a bunch for the Vikings this year. Riley Reiff has stepped up this season, but he will be 31 before the start of the 2020 NFL Draft. Drafting a guy like Leatherwood allows Minnesota to have an immediate upgrade at left guard and a potential future starting left tackle.

The Vikings could also look at Alabama’s right tackle, Jedrick Wills Jr. who is a phenomenal athlete and utilizes excellent footwork on the outside. However, Minnesota has a good right tackle in Brian O’Neill, so the need for a tackle is not as pressing as that of an interior lineman.

Prediction

It is no guarantee that Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will play on Saturday. If he does suit up, he will not be fully healthy. Protecting him and keeping him comfortable in the pocket will be the key to success and it all starts up front with Leatherwood.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News