5 defensive prospects the Vikings should watch at the 2020 Senior Bowl

Ashtyn Davis – S (California)

The Vikings will be looking hard at the cornerbacks down at the Senior Bowl, but they also need to monitor the safeties closely.

Jayron Kearse already said he isn’t coming back, Andrew Sendejo is old enough to be a coach, and it’s unclear at this point if the Vikings will be able to afford to bring back Anthony Harris. So while safety is unlikely a position they’d address in the first round, it is definitely on the table every round after that.

Ashtyn Davis is a guy the Vikings could look at on Day 2 of the draft. He’s extremely athletic and was a dual athlete who also starred in track and field. Davis was very productive in his time at Cal. He racked up 166 total tackles, seven interceptions, and forced a couple of fumbles.

This guy’s range is tremendous as he can cover a ton of ground in a hurry. While he isn’t a huge hitter, he is more than willing to step up and lay a hit on a running back.

What would make Davis especially appealing to the Vikings is his ability to cover and line up in the slot. Minnesota was injury-depleted in the secondary and at times had to use a safety like Kearse or Sendejo to step in and help out as the nickel back. Neither of those two are likely going to be back in 2020, but this young prospect could fill that emergency nickel role if the team needs it next season.

It appears Davis won’t be participating in drills or the game as he recovers from minor surgery. He will be in attendance though and meeting with teams. The Vikings can get to know this kid down there and gauge his recovery process for themselves.

Davis could be one of those guys who falls due to a perceived injury but ends up being a steal for the team that takes a chance on him. Hopefully, that team is the Vikings.