Vikings Draft 2020: Seven-round dark horse mock draft
By Chris Schad
Second Round (No. 58 overall)
Ross Blacklock – DT (TCU)
The interior of the Vikings defensive line has been a problem since Shariff Floyd was forced into retirement back in 2017. While Minnesota addressed part of the problem by replacing Linval Joseph with the younger and cheaper Michael Pierce, they still need to solve their mystery at the 3-technique spot.
Ross Blacklock is a defensive tackle that could fit the bill. He’s a bit undersized at 290 pounds, but you couldn’t tell during this time at TCU.
Pro Football Focus charted Blacklock with an 8.3 run stop percentage last season (49th among draft-eligible defensive tackles) and while his pass rush opportunities in a TCU system predicated on stopping the run, he put up a 5.5 pass rusher productivity rating.
These numbers would be a massive upgrade over current starter Shamar Stephen, who ranked 116th in run-stop percentage (3.8 percent) and pass rusher productivity rating (1.2). Mix in an athletic profile in a 290-pound body and Blacklock’s upside is something that drives this selection.