7 prospects for the Vikings to watch on Day 3 at the 2020 Combine
By Dean Jones
Day 3 of on-field workouts at the 2020 Combine will feature defensive lineman and linebackers, with the Minnesota Vikings sure to take a keen interest.
The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of needs heading into the offseason and this could be especially prevalent on the defensive line.
This is due to the serious salary cap problems that the Vikings will need to solve in the coming weeks. The decisions made between now and OTAs will undoubtedly shape the long and short-term future of the franchise.
Everson Griffen reportedly opted out of his current deal to alleviate some of these concerns. But that will not be enough if Minnesota wants to make improvements to a roster that managed to win a playoff game with quarterback Kirk Cousins last season.
The future of Linval Joseph will go a long way to determining how much focus the Vikings will put on the defensive line during this year’s NFL Draft. The defensive tackle has a cap hit of more than $12 million in 2020 and Minnesota would free up just under $10.5 million in spending money if they chose to release him.
Even though Joseph recorded three sacks, 44 total tackles, and a forced fumble last year, he may be sacrificed for a younger and cheaper alternative.
This year’s group of draft prospects includes a very deep class of defensive lineman and there will be plenty of mouth-watering options available for the Vikings in April, either with a high pick or in the mid-rounds.
Let’s check out seven prospects who should catch the eye of Minnesota during the drills at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday.