Vikings Draft 2020: Post-Combine seven-round mock draft

Seventh Round (Pick No. 217)

Mike Panasiuk – DT (Michigan State)

Throughout the years, the Vikings have attempted to find their defensive linemen later in drafts with the hopes of coaching them up. This approach has led Minnesota to finding Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, and others to help form a strong unit in the trenches.

Toward the end of the NFL Draft can be a crapshoot to find such talent. But one name that could be mentioned is Mike Panasiuk, who has plenty of traits to generate a pass rush, but he just hasn’t put it all together.

According to Benjamin Solak’s draft profile at The Draft Network, Panasiuk has the technique and physical tools to make an impact as a pass rusher, but he usually winds up sitting behind blockers and reacting to what the quarterback does. These things aren’t totally bad as the Vikings still have Andre Patterson on their coaching staff to help clean these things up.

Interior defensive line will be a need for Minnesota and it could be filled much earlier if they see a prospect they like. But with tools that could be sharpened, Panasiuk wouldn’t be the worst-case scenario for the Vikings.