Vikings Draft 2020: Playoff prospects to watch – Clemson

Defensive Prospects

The staple of the Clemson Tigers is easily their stout defense. They haven’t gotten to the National Championship four years in a row by accident.

As the Vikings continue to age on defense, maybe it is time to replace some veterans with young studs?

Isaiah Simmons is probably the best player on the Tigers defense. He is a hybrid linebacker who can slide to safety. He has insane speed all over the field and he can pretty much do it all.

Minnesota could use a versatile playmaker on defense, especially if Jayron Kearse leaves in free agency. Simmons could step in as a rangy linebacker or as a deep coverage safety and have no issues. His athleticism alone should get him drafted in the first round.

Cornerback A.J. Terrell has shown incredible flashes over the past three seasons. He intercepted Tua Tagovailoa in the National Championship last season and took it to the house. He has six career interceptions and 11 pass deflections.

With a deep class at his position, Terrell may slide a bit. While I do think the Vikings will target a cornerback early in the 2020 draft, they may wait on a guy like Terrell.

K’Von Wallace will be attending the Senior Bowl with hopes of boosting his stock a bit. The safety has been a key piece to the Clemson defense for three seasons. 2019 has been his best season by far from a statistical standpoint. Wallace has 58 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and eight pass breakups (all of these are career bests).

If the Vikings decide to bring in some Clemson defenders, they may feel at home. Mackensie Alexander and Jayron Kearse are both former Tigers. Their futures in Minnesota are uncertain, but they would definitely be helpful pieces.