Jayson Oweh – DE/OLB (Penn State)
Plenty of 2021 NFL Draft prospects are enhancing their stock at various pro days up and down the country. Jayson Oweh fell into this particular category thanks in no small part to a jaw-dropping 40-yard dash time for a player his size. But the Vikings should approach the former Penn State standout with caution before deciding to pull the trigger.
Oweh may have outstanding physical traits to serve him well in the pros. However, there is a lot for the prospect to work on and he is coming off a season where he failed to record a single sack for the Nittany Lions in 2020.
His five sacks playing opposite Yetur Gross-Matos in 2019 – who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers at No. 38 overall last year – was the highest number of his three-year college career and there is also the riddle of just where Oweh is best suited to play in the NFL.
Many experts are projecting him to be a stand-up edge rusher in a 3-4 base scheme, while others expect him to operate as a 4-3 defensive end. While this versatility is helpful for some, it can also bring some complications during their transition.
Much will depend on where Oweh gets drafted. The Vikings have a pressing need for another option opposite stud pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, but they would be taking a considerable gamble if they chose to go in this particular direction.