Minnesota Vikings continue hosting high-upside prospects on top-30 visits, with the latest being perfect for Brian Flores’ defense
The Minnesota Vikings have a tradition of hosting a large event for their top-30 visits. The idea is to bring them all into the building, meet with them, and see how they interact with each other. It allows the Vikings to see how those players interact with each other. There have already been multiple reported […]
The Minnesota Vikings have a tradition of hosting a large event for their top-30 visits. The idea is to bring them all into the building, meet with them, and see how they interact with each other. It allows the Vikings to see how those players interact with each other.
There have already been multiple reported visitors, including Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling and Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday. The latest reported visit is a really interesting prospect who can help on the defensive line: Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr.
Minnesota Vikings hosting Darrell Jackson Jr.
The defensive line is an important position for the Vikings to attack in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, it’s not the deepest position group. Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, and Kayden McDonald are all potentially first-round picks, but any one of them could end up going in round two. It’s not a very strong class.
Within the class, there are some interesting prospects to keep an eye on over the first two days of the NFL Draft. One of them is Jackson, who played across the interior of the defensive line for the Seminoles. At 6-5 and 315 pounds, Jackson has the size profile to be a plus run stuffer, while flashing pass rush ability.
Across his career, Jackson has played 1,691 snaps across three universities, and arguably should have come out after last year, where he had 30 pressures and 3.5 sacks with another 4.0 tackles for loss. He’s got an impressive set of physical traits, including a wild 7-2 wingspan, which helps him peek and shed in the running game.
He isn’t the most fluid athlete, displaying tightness in his lower half when moving laterally. There are also issues with consistency with his hands, and a lack of power that hinder him. It’s why Jackson is likely going to be a round three pick or later.
Even so, there is a baseline level of success right away with potential to grow. That will be appealing to the Vikings.