Minnesota Vikings: 5 Targets in 2020 NFL Draft to help win NFC North
1. Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
Technically the Vikings haven’t had a pure upfield three-technique since Tom Johnson. S since then, they’ve had JAGs line up next to the one-gapper, Linval Joseph, who departed via free agency. They found his replacement in the former Baltimore Ravens nose tackle, Michael Pierce.
Pierce fills the massive hole left behind by Joseph, but they need to get more pressure on the quarterback from the interior. Shamar Stephen started 15 games for Minnesota last season and Jaleel Johnson is entering in his third year and looks more like a rotational player. With that said, drafting a 3-technique to pair with Pierce could get them back on track.
Ross Blacklock is a 6-3, 290-pound sturdy tackle with excellent athleticism and a great first step. At the 2020 NFL Combine, he ran an impressive 4.9-second 40-yard dash. He has a high motor with relentless hands who can close with quickness. While may not get used as a 2-gap defender, he did excel at the position at TCU.
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The former Horned Frog isn’t getting the same hype as players with his skill-set have in the past. However, if the Vikings get a chance to pair him next to Pierce, don’t be surprised if he gets close to having double-digit sack numbers as a rookie. Whether in a trade down scenario or taking him at No. 25, he should be wearing purple again.