6 linebackers the Vikings could select in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Carter Coughlin (Minnesota)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 236 pounds
2019 Stats:
- 49 total tackles (9.5 for a loss)
- 4.5 sacks
- 4 pass breakups
- 3 forced fumbles
If the Vikings do draft some linebackers this year they’ll be looking at ones who played on the outside and can also rush off the edge.
Minnesota has a much bigger need at defensive end as they need to improve their depth in that unit. Getting pass rushers, whether they are considered ends or linebackers, will be essential.
Carter Coughlin is a player who fits that mold, and one the team should be very familiar with as he played college ball in their backyard.
Coughlin often lined up with his hand in the dirt during his days playing for the Golden Gophers. He doesn’t have ideal size, but he has a tenacious motor and he battles through blockers on his way to the quarterback.
He can play standing up and he is a smart player who is quick to diagnose plays. With his smallish frame and average speed, Coughlin is expected to be a late Day 3 choice.
The Vikings could take him with one of their many seventh-round picks. He will come in as a key special teamer and then he could get worked into the defense throughout the season.
He could be used at end in passing situations or the team could blitz him standing up like a traditional outside linebacker. There are a lot of ways to use this kid and he offers much more than the traditional late-round pick.