Minnesota Vikings: Replacing aging veterans through 2020 NFL Draft
By Luke Parrish
Anthony Harris
This is not Anthony Harris slander. In fact, I love Anthony Harris and all he has done for the Minnesota Vikings. He slowly made his way from an undrafted free agent to a starting safety. The Vikings have him on a great contract and he has been an incredible compliment to Harrison Smith.
However, Harris is not under contract beyond the upcoming season. His future in Minnesota is not guaranteed. There is a chance Harris is gone next season due to his market heating up and the Vikings not having the money to keep him.
Replacement Option: Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne
This comes way out of left field. The Vikings do not usually spend high draft picks at the safety position. Harrison Smith was a first-round selection, but his sidekicks have been late-round picks at best.
Kyle Dugger may be the next to fit that bill. Dugger comes from Division II Lenoir-Rhyne University, a small school in North Carolina. He is on the radar for the 2020 Senior Bowl, according to Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy.
https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1142394387739099139
Dugger is a huge safety, standing 6-2 and 215 pounds. He plays violently downhill with an innate ability to lay the wood on unsuspecting opponents. He also makes his presence felt in the passing game.
Last season, Dugger recorded 76 tackles, three interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. He also averaged over 17 yards per punt return, including two touchdowns. He returned another for a touchdown in 2017.
Dugger was instrumental in turning around the Lenoir-Rhyne football team. They went 3-7 in 2017 before going 12-2 last year. The safety stud showed up all over the place. He can play in the box or over the top. He has the speed to play on special teams as a gunner or as a returner. The do-it-all defensive back is a name to watch as the 2019 season comes and goes.
Honorable mention: Javon Hagan, Ohio