Kicker among notable Vikings 2021 undrafted free-agent signings
By Luke Parrish
Defensive UDFAs
Tuf Borland – LB (Ohio State)
Spent five years at Ohio State, four as an impact player on one of the nation’s top defensive units. Recorded 228 total tackles in his final four seasons, 19 of which were tackles for loss. Adds a lot of experience and toughness to a linebacker group that struggled with depth a year ago. Will battle Blake Lynch and a few others for a roster spot out of training camp.
Zeandae Johnson – DE (California)
Spent five years at Cal without making a massive impact, but he has a lot of size. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, Johnson offers flexibility on the end or as an interior pass rusher, but his lack of production in college should be noted. He recorded just 5.5 sacks in 31 career games for the Bears.
Jordon Scott – IDL (Oregon)
Another big body to offer competition in camp at 6-foot-1, 311 pounds on the interior. Plenty of experience at Oregon with 41 games under his belt already. His frame might be a good practice body for the young linemen to get reps against before they eventually get reps against Dalvin Tomlinson and Michael Pierce in the middle.
Christian Elliss – LB (Idaho)
A four-year player and three-year starter at Idaho who filled up the box score. Posted 104 tackles as a junior and was on pace for another 100-tackle season in 2020 if the season featured a full schedule. Made plays all over the field for the defense and has a lot of size to work with as a developmental project.
Given how Blake Lynch panned out last season, Elliss could be the next practice squad linebacker with some special teams upside.