Check out Luke Inman’s previous Senior Bowl content.
Five Senior Bowl Players Who Could Interest the Vikings
Weigh-In Winners, Day 1 Standouts, Vikings Interviewees
Day 2 Winners
With 110 all-stars in one place, it’s nearly impossible to find a more valuable week of football when assessing the pre-draft talent than what takes place down in Mobile, Ala.
Using just the Senior Bowl rosters, I ran through a mock draft for Rick Spielman’s front office, matching which players have both stood out while fitting the needs of the Vikings.
1st Round: Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma
While Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw are in a class of their own with eye-popping plays at practice, Gallimore has solidified himself as DT3 in the 2020 class. Gallimore shoots into the backfield in a flash with outstanding quickness and explosion, wreaking havoc in the backfield in a hurry.
Gallimore needs to work on his run support, however. Working under Andre Patterson will help maximize his high-end ceiling and make him a true three-down three-technique — something the Vikings sorely missed in 2019.
2nd Round: Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
While admittedly edge defender isn’t a top-tier need for the Vikings, Lewis is too good to pass up here. A bonafide first-round talent at 6’5” and 252 pounds, Lewis has lanky arms down to the floor and an incredible burst off the snap.
Lewis fell to the bottom of a loaded Alabama rotation after recovering from an ACL injury and never got his momentum back. However, if you’re looking for the next Danielle Hunter-type ball of clay for Patterson to mold, then you should be banging the table for Lewis on Day 2.
3rd Round: Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan
I’ve already stated how impressed I’ve been with Bredeson here after an outstandingly consistent first few days of practice. While he doesn’t have that one trait that will dominate, Bredeson wins with great technique and leverage, winning rep after rep against some very good talent.
Adding him into the mix to push Pat Elflein for his starting left guard spot while adding better depth is an absolute must.
4th Round: Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
Pride has often looked impressive as a sticky cover corner, especially when you consider some of the big names he’s shut down in Mobile.
With Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander and Jayron Kearse set to hit the road, adding youth and talent to the back end for Mike Zimmer to mold is essential.
6th Round: Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
Whether it’s dropped passes or inability to separate, Gandy-Golden has faced his share of fair criticism. But in a league that craves mismatches, you may not find a better go-up-and-get-it jump-ball receiver. Albeit against lower-tier competition, Gandy-Golden was a highlight-reel machine, hauling in acrobatic passes on a weekly basis.
7th Round: Nick Harris, IOL, Washington
Maybe the most athletic interior offensive lineman, Harris could thrive in Gary Kubiak’s zone scheme. He’ll get knocked throughout the process for his limited stature but what he lacks in size he wins with raw speed and movement skills for a center.
Even with Garrett Bradbury entrenched as the starting center, having a viable backup to groom with the ability to play over at guard makes too much sense given the scheme fit.
7th Round: Jason Strowbridge, DL, UNC
Strowbridge takes heat for a slow get-off, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a stronger defensive end down at the Senior Bowl right now. What I would do is let him gain his weight back and slide him back inside where his brute strength is a more natural fit as a three-technique lineman.
Strowbridge showed off his great length, batting multiple passes down during both passing drills and full team 11-on-11s as a big body in the middle of the field.
