2018 NFL Mock Draft: Saquon Barkley crashing QB party

By Brad Weiss | Sep 13, 2017

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittney Lions carries the ball against the USC Trojans in the 2017 Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at Rose Bowl on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 09: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (9) in action during the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Da'Shawn Hand

Defensive Tackle, Alabama

The Minnesota Vikings did what was expected on Monday night, as they really throttled the New Orleans Saints inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Led by an incredible display of accuracy by quarterback Sam Bradford, the Vikings offense was clicking on all cylanders. Rookie running back Dalvin Cook set the rookie rushing record for a player making his NFL debut, eclipsing the mark held by Adrian Peterson by 20 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings were exactly who we thought they would be. They harassed Drew Brees all night long, and their second level made big plays when they needed to. With their first pick in April, they should look to continue to bolster that defensive unit, and Da’Shawn Hand from Alabama would be a nice fit for their defense.

Hand has the ability to stop the run, and get after the pass, as he has elite athelticism from his defensive lineman position. He has played on some of the best defenses in college football history over the last two seasons, and is currently a leader on a unit that could go undefeated. He is going to be available this late in round one, and for a Vikings team built around their defense, he would be another solid piece of the puzzle.

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