Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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'Combine risers' who could be options for Minnesota
In the wake of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Matthew Coller of SKOR North put together a list of 10 "combine risers who could intrigue the Vikings" in the upcoming draft.
Included on the list was a pair of offensive linemen, Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) and Ezra Cleveland, who helped block for Mattison at Boise State. Coller wrote:
The freak of the NFL Combine, Wirfs jumped higher than most receivers and ran about as fast as you'd expect for a tight end. At 320 pounds, he tore up the Lucas Oil Field turf to the tune of a 4.85 40-yard dash and jumped 36 inches. His combine showing might have pushed his draft stock up to the top 15 or higher with teams always looking for athletes that can match up to the deep crop of talent along NFL defensive lines.
There is some question over whether he's a guard or tackle. If Wirfs isn't considered a tackle, he could end up being available in the mid-to-late first round. At tackle he probably goes at the top of the draft, far before the Vikings would have a shot at him.
Coller said that Cleveland could be an option after Day 1.
According to Mockdraftable, Cleveland has an athletic profile that is similar to Vikings tackle Brian O'Neill. He isn't the heaviest at 311 pounds and has small hands, but his 4.93 40-yard dash and 30 reps on the bench were eye-catching. At Boise State, he only allowed 12 pressures last season (three sacks) and posted impressive zone blocking grades from PFF.
If the Vikings pick a defensive player in the first round, a player like Cleveland could be on their radar in Round 2. His athletic profile fits their scheme and provides for some growth potential. Asking any tackle to fill in immediately would be difficult, so the Vikings could look at ceiling over all else.