Three College Football Players the Vikings Should Be Watching This Weekend | Vol. I
The Minnesota Vikings officially kick-off their season on Sunday against the hated Green Bay Packers. With the off-season now in the rearview-mirror, I’d like to skip forward in time (I know you want to come with) to next off-season. It’s everybody’s favorite time of the year; NFL Draft season (2021).
For each week of the 2020 season, I plan on looking at college football players who I think the Vikings might be interested in drafting NEXT offseason. In week one, we are diving into three prospects who play during Saturday’s slate of games. These players should fill needs and provide depth, with a good chance of climbing into starting duties sooner than later.
Trill Williams vs #18 North Carolina – 11 AM CT
CB – Syracuse | 6-2 | 196-pounds
At the start of the offseason, Trill Williams found himself starting towards the bottom of The Dynasty Draft Room’s Big Board. Now, he sits at prospect #63 overall. That’s quite the off-season jump. But that’s for very good reason.
Trill is a corner with tremendous size. At 6-2, 198-pounds, as listed on Syracuse’s website, he won’t have a problem matching up with those big outside receivers. Trill also has the speed to match up with all the deep-threats around the NFL. He ran a 4.34 laser-time, which is fast, especially for a guy with his measurables.
Trill possesses a lot of versatility. He’s able to play either slot or outside corner, and even safety. Syracuse uses him all over the field, testing matchups, until they find something he can exploit. He has the talent and measurables to project as an alpha corner who can follow around opponents’ best receivers week after week.
With the Minnesota Vikings lack of cornerback experience and depth, Trill should be a guy that the they target come 2021.
Samuel Cosmi vs UTEP – 7:00 PM CT
LT – Texas |6-6 | 310-pounds
The Vikings seem to take multiple offensive linemen every time the NFL Draft rolls around. Next year should be no different… but desperation will depend on the play of Riley Reiff this season and what that means for next offseason.
Does Reiff take another step back or does he outperform his recent seasons? Only time will tell. Rookie (LT) Ezra Cleveland from Boise State, who destroyed the NFL Combine this past off-season, will be waiting for his shot.
At the end of the day, Spielman and Co. can’t afford to keep waiting on average offensive line talent, If Reiff struggles and Cleveland doesn’t look like he’s “that guy” early in his career, they should waste no time in drafting a guy like Samuel Cosmi out of Texas. Cosmi has first-round potential written all over him.
He has tremendous power and strength, which causes problems for edge rushers and even for bigger inside defenders. He also handles double-teams exceptionally well, and when he gets his mitts on you, you aren’t getting away from him. Grip strength, baby.
Cosmi’s ability to pass stunts off and control his proper lane, is above and beyond what many tackles can do in this class. He will bring a ton of athleticism, strength and football knowledge to wherever he is drafted. Kirk Cousins would love to have Samuel Cosmi blocking his blindside.
Chazz Surratt vs Syracuse – 11 AM CT
ILB – UNC | 6-2 | 230-pounds
Chazz Surratt is slowly creeping into early day-two conversations. Now, you might be thinking, “why would we need to look into drafting another linebacker on day-two?” I understand your skepticism. The Vikings already have Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. Eric Wilson has played well and we drafted Troy Dye in last year’s draft…
That answer, though, is simple. Depth and cap space. Kendricks won’t be around forever and Surratt brings a lot more upside than Wilson.
Surratt brings a bunch of speed, strong coverage ability, and a ton of athleticism. His best position on the field is the MIKE linebacker in a 4-3 defensive base. He has the ability to play on the weaks side though too, where he’d be tasked with a lot of coverage. Surratt has no problem covering big tight ends or running backs out of the backfield. He’s a strong blitzer, who can accelerate and explode downfield and make tackles in the hole.
While linebacker might not be a position of need for the Minnesota Vikings, Surratt presents a great backup option for Kendricks, who could potentially take over as the starter, in time. If his early play demands more snaps, then he has the ability to swing over to WILL, and possibly start sooner.
I’m sure the Vikings will have their eyes on him all season, including Saturday.
Zach Patrow | Minnesota Sports Fan | TDDR
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