Vikings Draft 2020: Playoff prospects to watch – LSU
By Luke Parrish
LSU Offensive Prospects
The story of the college football season is undoubtedly the emergence of Joe Burrow. The signal-caller rose to stardom on his way to an undefeated season and receiving the Heisman Trophy.
Burrow is now the favorite to be the first overall pick in April. There is virtually no chance the Vikings can land Burrow – and they are probably fine with that given Kirk Cousin’s play this season.
Burrow’s counterpart in the backfield is a much more realistic option later in the draft. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire made a name for himself in LSU’s win over Alabama back in November.
Edwards-Helaire is a bowling ball who absorbs contact and is nifty enough to make defenders miss. While he lacks elite speed, he is truly a do-it-all back. With the future of Dalvin Cook up in the air, the Vikings could potentially be in the market for another running back.
LSU’s receiving threats are incredible. 2021 prospect Ja’Marr Chase will be in contention for the top wide receiver in the draft at this time next year. For now, let’s focus on his teammates.
Justin Jefferson is rising quickly thanks to his remarkable play of late. Jefferson caught 88 passes for 1,207 yards this season and he scored 14 touchdowns.
The junior plays with a ton of speed and he is a dynamic athlete with the ball in his hands. He is a tremendous leaper and he can win any 50/50 ball if he is given a chance. He will be a steal in the second round of the draft.
Tight end Thaddeus Moss has not been a highly productive player in college, but he has a chance to play in the NFL. He has hauled in 38 receptions for the Tigers since transferring from North Carolina State in 2017. And oh yeah, Moss is the son of some guy named Randy Moss.
One name to really keep an eye on is Lloyd Cushenberry III. Cushenberry is the starting center for the Tigers and he is one of the top interior linemen in the draft. He has a chance to be a top-100 selection and he could be an option for the Vikings on Day 2. With Pat Elflein struggling to adapt to the NFL, Minnesota needs to strongly consider moving on from him in 2020.