The Minnesota Vikings made a statement with their first three selections in the 2015 NFL Draft. Going all in on their defense that head coach Mike Zimmer loves oh so much. Selections such as Trae Waynes, Eric Kendricks, and Danielle Hunter are all extremely effective selections.
Now, it’s all Norv Turner.
After the defensive selections, the Vikings turned it over to offense. Making an immediate transition on picks, the Vikings selected offensive tackle T.J. Clemmings, tight end MyCole Pruitt, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and offensive tackle Tyrus Thompson.
More from Minnesota Vikings
- Minnesota Vikings look impressive despite loss in preseason opener
- Minnesota Vikings improve even after cutting important players
- Ranking the 5 best NFL uniform changes for the 2023 season
- 5 NFL teams that will definitely disappoint fans in 2023
- Could QB Kirk Cousins end up in the Hall of Fame one day?
Everybody knew that the Vikings would be going around searching for some weapons to help Teddy Bridgewater. After four rounds of passing on offensive weapons for the young quarterback, they finally went after some.
Pruitt, a talented player out of a slightly unknown school Southern Illinois University, is an interesting selection. Considering that the Vikings already have a terrific tight end in Kyle Rudolph, the 2012 Pro-Bowl MVP, this pick comes at a surprise for some people.
First, lets start with the most obvious part of this. His name is MyCole, pronounced My-Cole, basically how it’s spelled. That’s just an awesome name hands down. Anyways, Pruitt has very nice hands and catches well in traffic. Always nice to have good hands when it’s your job to catch a football.
He’s a solid blocker with his strength and size. He’s 6’2″, 251 pounds and runs a 4.51 40-yard dash time, which is impressive for his size. As a four-year starter, he was a very productive. In 2014, Pruitt had 81 catches (school record) for 861 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Pruitt will learn from Rudolph, and hopefully will have more motivation to try. At times, he showed little effort during games. When he’s not getting the ball, he shuts down and acts careless.
As for Diggs, he’s another weapon that the Vikings could use in a very effective way. Diggs is dangerous when he gets the ball; an overall explosive athlete. He played mainly in the slot position and will definitely see some time on the field there in his first year as a Viking.
At 6 feet tall, he’s good size. He also runs a 4.46 40-yard dash so he’s quick too. He can compete for jump balls, but lacks the strength to get past any good cornerback. Diggs can get stronger in the NFL and make himself a better overall athlete.
Feb 19, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Stefon Diggs speaks to the media during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Diggs can also be used as a kick returner, which he did all the time as a Maryland Terp. Totaled for 1472 yards as a kick returner in his three years. He sinks his hips very low and cuts with ease. The Vikings would use him for sure on returns, he’s dangerous.
It will be interesting to see how the Vikings use both of these men in their offense for the years to come. They drafted every position they really needed going into the draft.
Getting Bridgewater the protection he needed was huge, and now with a few new weapons and Adrian Peterson coming back, it’s going to be a great year for the Vikings.
Next: Vikings Protecting Their Needs with T.J. Clemmings
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens