6 linebackers the Vikings could select in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
T.J. Brunson (South Carolina)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-feet | Weight: 230 pounds
2019 Stats:
- 77 tackles (6 for a loss)
- 1 interception
T.J. Brunson is an undersized linebacker out of South Carolina who will probably hear his name called sometime on Day 3 of this year’s NFL Draft. The Vikings could look to take him to improve their depth and utilize his best attribute, which is his ability to blitz.
Brunson flies in like a rocket as he gets to quarterbacks extremely quickly. He also does well on run blitzes and seems to enjoy hitting a ball carrier at full speed.
His initial impact on hits is very good, but he doesn’t always wrap up. He does offer position flexibility as he’s played both inside and outside linebacker. Brunson had a very productive career for the Gamecocks. He was given the team’s leadership award in 2018 and he was voted their Defensive MVP in 2018.
Despite his blitzing ability and overall production, Brunson does have plenty of concerns that will make him fall in the draft.
He has an issue fighting through blocks and he is often slow to diagnose plays. His effort makes up for a lot of these shortcomings, but he’s probably a guy the could Vikings take late and then let compete for a backup role this summer.
At the very least, he would be placed on Minnesota’s practice squad for a year and improve his diagnostic skills.