Ross Blacklock – DT (TCU)
The Vikings have a huge need at the three-technique defensive tackle position this year. This position’s primary goal is to create interior pressure. It’s their goal to blow past the guards and sack the quarterback or tackle the running back before he gets to the line of scrimmage.
Worst case is they need to disrupt the timing of the offense’s play, getting them off-kilter and uncomfortable the entire game.
Minnesota really only has one player on their current roster who has shown he can do this and that is second-year man Armon Watts. They have to find another and they could look to do it in the second round on Friday. A guy who would be a perfect fit for the Vikings and is still on the board is TCU’s, Ross Blacklock.
Blacklock stands at 6-foot-3, weighs 293 pounds, he’s extremely quick off the ball for being so big, and he uses his big powerful hands to knock back blockers on his route to the quarterback.
Blacklock relies on his strength and quickness to get by blockers and he does need to add some pass-rushing moves to his arsenal. His overall technique needs work as well, but he’s got plenty of tools that Vikings defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson can mold to his liking.
It’s very possible that Blacklock falls to Minnesota at pick No. 58. If he does, he could be the best player on the board and one that fills a major hole for the Vikings.