6 defensive tackles the Vikings could select in the 2020 NFL Draft

Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 324 pounds

2019 Stats:

• 35 tackles (6 for a loss)
• 6 sacks
• 2 pass deflections
• 2 fumble recoveries

It’s not a secret that the Vikings had trouble getting penetration up the middle last season. It got to the point where Mike Zimmer decided to shift Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter into the middle during their playoff win over the New Orleans Saints just to make Drew Brees sweat.

When you’re using guys that haven’t played the position all season, you should probably try to find someone who can be disruptive. Javon Kinlaw is a guy that can do just that.

With a PRP of 7.1 (14th among defensive tackles) and an 18.7 percent pass-rush win rate, Kinlaw knows how to get to the quarterback. His six sacks are also impressive on their own right, but it’s more remarkable considering Kinlaw was playing out of position at South Carolina and a move to a three-technique may breed even better results.

Kinlaw didn’t work out at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine due to injury, but that’s fine when you watch his tape. As an explosive athlete who has the strength to match, Kinlaw looks like a prospect that will get to the quarterback or at least give the “assist” to his defensive ends thanks to penetration.

While he still needs to work on his run-stopping (4.8 run-stop percentage), Kinlaw is a prospect that would get even better under a coach like Andre Patterson. Although it may require a Minnesota trading up, they would do cartwheels if they were able to get Kinlaw in purple.