NFL Draft 2022: What the Vikings can expect from their Day 3 picks

Round 7: Nick Muse, TE – South Carolina

This man is an absolute character. When he’s not posting funny Instagram pictures or doing flips into his pool, Nick Muse is showing off his nimble feet on the football field as a tight end continuing to hone his craft.

When choosing a player in Round 7, odds are they are either boom or bust prospects or individuals who will be a project for a team. Muse will actually be a little of both, as he does need some refinement but could be a diamond in the rough.

NFL.com comparison and projection: – no analysis –

The Good

One look at Nick Muse and it’s easy to see why he was successful as a tight end in college. Standing 6’5 and weighing 259 pounds, the South Carolina standout is a mismatch nightmare who has a huge catch radius and a big body to throw around.

Muse is a smart blocker who knows when to release and when to move to the next level. With his size, he can be an obstacle for opposing defenders while aggressively going where he needs to be to clear a path.

The Bad

Sadly, his size didn’t result in much production at the college level. In 27 games over three years, Muse only caught 67 passes for 805 yards and three touchdowns with his 2020 campaign being his statistical best.

He will need to tighten his routes as a receiver and deliver a bigger punch as a blocker. Considering how Kirk Cousins loves throwing to receivers who run crisp routes, Muse may not see many footballs come his way unless he can prove to be reliable in both phases.

What to Expect

Typically, Muse would be a possible candidate for the practice squad. However, a huge lack of depth at tight end partnered with a spotty injury history for starter Irv Smith Jr. makes this a situation where the big tight end may get an opportunity to prove himself earlier than he would in other places.

Expect him to be one to watch in the preseason and wait for his opportunity on the field.

Which of these late-round picks do you think will flourish for the Minnesota Vikings and which ones will have a bumpy road ahead of them in the pros? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!