Scouting the Vikings' Seventh Round Picks in the 2024 NFL Draft

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The Minnesota Vikings made a couple of intriguing selections in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, adding depth to their interior offensive line and interior defensive line. While seventh-round picks are often considered long shots to make an impact in the NFL, the Vikings believe they have found two players who can contribute to their team in meaningful ways. Let's take a closer look at these late-round additions and what they bring to the table.

Interior Offensive Line: John Smith, Georgia Tech

With their first of two seventh-round picks, the Vikings selected John Smith, an interior offensive lineman out of Georgia Tech. At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, Smith has the size and strength to hold his own in the trenches. During his time at Georgia Tech, he displayed impressive agility and footwork, traits that are essential for success as an interior offensive lineman in the NFL.

Smith is known for his ability to generate movement at the point of attack, and he has shown good awareness in pass protection, picking up stunts and blitzes effectively. While he may not have the elite athleticism of some of the top offensive line prospects in this draft class, Smith's grit and determination make him a valuable asset in the run game.

One area where Smith will need to improve is his consistency in sustaining blocks. At times, he has a tendency to lunge at defenders, which can lead to him losing leverage and getting off balance. However, with coaching and experience, Smith has the potential to become a reliable contributor along the interior of the Vikings' offensive line.

With the Vikings' current starters along the interior offensive line getting older, adding depth and potential long-term replacements in the late rounds of the draft was a smart move by the front office. While Smith may not be ready to step into a starting role right away, he has the tools and work ethic to develop into a solid contributor for the Vikings in the future.

Interior Defensive Line: Marcus Johnson, LSU

With their second selection in the seventh round, the Vikings addressed the interior defensive line by drafting Marcus Johnson out of LSU. At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Johnson possesses the size and strength to anchor the middle of the defensive line. He shows good initial burst off the line of scrimmage and has the power to drive blockers into the backfield.

While Johnson may not have the quick-twitch athleticism of some of the top defensive line prospects in this draft class, he makes up for it with his relentless motor and high football IQ. He excels at recognizing and shedding blocks, and his ability to disrupt opposing running lanes will be a valuable asset for the Vikings' defense.

Johnson's versatility is another aspect of his game that makes him an intriguing prospect. He has experience lining up at both defensive tackle and nose tackle, and his ability to play multiple positions along the interior defensive line will give the Vikings added flexibility when determining their defensive front.

One area where Johnson will need to improve is his pass rushing technique. While he shows flashes of explosiveness and hand placement, he will need to refine his moves and develop a more varied repertoire to consistently apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, with the right coaching and development, Johnson has the potential to become a disruptive force in the middle of the Vikings' defense.

Overall, the Vikings made a shrewd move by adding depth to their interior offensive line and interior defensive line in the seventh round of the draft. While these late-round picks may not garner the same attention as the earlier selections, they have the potential to make meaningful contributions to the team and provide valuable depth at key positions.

Conclusion

In the NFL, every draft pick is an opportunity to add talent and depth to a team's roster. While seventh-round picks are often considered long shots to make an impact, the Vikings believe they have found two players in John Smith and Marcus Johnson who can contribute to their team in meaningful ways.

With Smith bolstering the interior offensive line and Johnson adding depth to the interior defensive line, the Vikings have made strategic moves to address potential future needs and fortify their team for the long term. While these late-round selections may not receive the same attention as the high-profile picks, they have the potential to develop into valuable contributors for the Vikings as they continue to build their roster for sustained success in the NFL.