CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES
RANKING THE VIKINGS NEEDS
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN’S DRAFT TRADES
VIKINGS TARGETS
LUKE INMAN’S MOCK DRAFTS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL
FEATURES FROM OUR STAFF
A.J. DILLON
HEIGHT/WEIGHT/AGE
6-foot-0
247 pounds
21 years old
BIG PICTURE
Need a bruiser? A.J. Dillon is your man. Starred three years ago as an ACC Rookie of the Year and didn’t turn back. The Massachusetts native carried the ball 845 times over the last three years for 38 touchdowns, 5.2 yards per carry and 4,382 yards — three 1,000-yard seasons. Put a lot of mileage on with 12 games taking 30 carries or more but stayed durable. Dillon is extremely tough to tackle and great after contact at nearly 250 pounds. Was an explosive jumper at the combine that could translate well to pass-blocking. He’s not really a shifty lateral mover, though, and didn’t prove to be much of a factor in the passing game at Boston College.
COMBINE NOTABLES
4.53 40-yard dash
23 bench reps (T-5th)
41-inch vertical (1st)
131-inch broad jump (1st)
7.19 3-cone drill
VIKINGS’ COMPATIBILITY RANKING
1 out of 5. Is running back really a need for the Vikings? Probably not. Even though Dillon has a fascinating athletic profile.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DRAFT EXPERTS SAY
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: “Built like a minibus but possessing enough vision and finesse to avoid being pigeon-holed as just a pure power back. Dillon is capable of handling heavy workloads and wearing down defenses, but there is a concern from evaluators that it’s taken a physical toll on him. He’s a disciplined runner who trusts his blocking scheme and follows his rush track. He’s a good one-cut runner with below-average wiggle but natural power to create yards after contact. Dillon will find more space as he faces fewer loaded boxes as a pro, but dropping weight and adding quickness could be the difference between a future as a committee back or starter.”
Kyle Crabbs, NFL.com: “AJ Dillon projects best as a gap/power rusher at the NFL level. Dillon is at his best as a deep set back who can collect momentum working into the POA and carry his burst through the hole. Asking him to slow play, press the line and read/accelerate out of a cut takes away many of his appealing qualities. In a perfect world, Dillon is a short yardage specialist and/or early down back who can churn out tough yards and keep the offense on schedule with the sticks.”
WHAT PFF SAYS
2nd most rushing attempts in nation last three seasons
91.3 overall grade as junior
81 missed tackles forced (5th)
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
TOP 100 PLAYER PROFILES
RANKING THE VIKINGS NEEDS
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN’S DRAFT TRADES
VIKINGS TARGETS
LUKE INMAN’S MOCK DRAFTS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL
FEATURES FROM OUR STAFF
