Round 5 Pick 141 – Xzavier Dickson OLB (Alabama)
Say hello to Xzavier Dickson, the talented offensive linebacker who led the Tide in tackles and sacks his final year. The 6-foot-3 mammoth weighs nearly 270 pounds but flashes speed to the outside, serving as a reliable pass rusher.
Dickson has short-area bursts that can drag down running backs and sweep past blockers. His hand technique will have to improve if he wants to survive in the NFL, but the Vikings could do themselves a favor drafting Dickson either as a starter or backup to Gerald Hodges.
Round 6 Pick 172 – Sean Mannion QB (Oregon State)
True, the Vikings are placing all their franchise marbles on Bridgewater. But if we’ve learned anything about quarterbacks in Minnesota over the past several years, it’s that they drop like flies, for one reason or the next. And lord knows fans don’t want Christian Ponder lingering on the roster as third-string.
Sean Mannion, standing 6 foot 6 and weighing 229 pounds, displays the arm strength needed to complete intermediate and vertical passes — a deep threat that’s been severely missing in Minnesota. What he lacks in mobility he makes up for in accuracy.
Round 7 Pick 204 – Martin Ifedi DE (Memphis)
Defensive end Martin Ifedi broke Memphis’ school record of most sacks (22.5) as a three-year starter. He’s got a hefty frame and strong hands that can corral running backs, not to mention a wide wingspan that battles blockers.
His mature football character would allow the Vikings to skip hand-holding and get straight to fine-tuning his motor.
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