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FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2020

LOCAL NEWS: Friday, July 10, 2020

The Athletic

Vikings Training Camp Guide — RBs: The heart of the team that loves to run By Arif Hasan https://theathletic.com/1912359/2020/07/09/vikings-training-camp-guide-rbs-the-heart-of-the-team-that-loves-to-run/

Purple Insider

Under odd circumstances, which Vikings players face make-or-break camp? By Matthew Coller https://purpleinsider.substack.com/p/under-odd-circumstances-which-vikings

NATIONAL NEWS: Friday, July 10, 2020

Maven Media

66 Days Until Vikings Football: Will James Lynch Start at Three-Technique? By Will Ragatz https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/66-days-vikings-football-james-lynch-baylor-three-technique

MULTIMEDIA NEWS: Friday, July 10, 2020

Anthony Barr, Raise the Barr Foundation Hosts Virtual Wine Tasting Fundraiser By KMSP http://mms.tveyes.com/PlaybackPortal.aspx?SavedEditID=e424e74a-9653-4648-a06f-17ee58b136ca

Pick 6 Mailbag: PA Takes A Stroll Down Memory Lane By Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/pick-6-mailbag-pa-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane

D.J. Wonnum: "Learning From Danielle and Coach Patterson, The Sky's the Limit" | Podcast By Vikings Entertainment Network https://www.vikings.com/video/d-j-wonnum-learning-from-danielle-and-coach-patterson-the-sky-s-the-limit-minnes

Rapoport and Pelissero Report On Proposed Preseason Protocols By NFL Network https://www.vikings.com/video/rapoport-and-pelissero-report-on-proposed-preseason-protocols

VIKINGS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK: Friday, July 10, 2020

Minnesota Vikings Podcast Episode 50 Highlights: D.J. Wonnum's Early Film Study with DC Andre Patterson & Young Leadership Abilities By Chris Corso https://www.vikings.com/news/minnesota-vikings-podcast-episode-50-highlights-d-j-wonnum-s-early-film-study-wi

PUBLICATION: The Athletic DATE: 7/10/20

Vikings Training Camp Guide — RBs: The heart of the team that loves to run

By Arif Hasan

(Editor’s note: This is part of a series of position-by-position articles breaking down every player on the Vikings roster as we build up to the start of training camp later this month. We’ve already covered the quarterbacks. Next up, the running backs. Still to come: Wide receivers, tight ends, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, and safeties.)

Only one team in the NFL saw more carries from the running back position than the Vikings last year, and that was the with two more carries from their running back stable than Minnesota’s. Both of these play- action heavy, wide-zone, West Coast offenses have placed significant priority on getting the running game going, and unlike the Ravens, mostly have to rely on traditional ball-carriers to get it done.

The focus on running doesn’t have a lot of analytical backing, but proponents will point out that a number of the run- heavy teams made deep runs into the playoffs. The full debate has been hashed out for years — as The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen broke down last year — but regardless of what actually drives team wins, the Vikings will remain committed to the position in the near future.

Dalvin Cook If last year was a critical year for Cook to prove he can be relied upon, this year will be a referendum on running back value in general. Cook’s health wasn’t an issue for much of the season and he paid back the Vikings’ faith in him in a big way, earning 81.1 rushing yards per game to hit over 1,100 for the season. His added threat in the receiving game earned him 118.2 yards from scrimmage per game, second in the NFL. Every running back benefits from blocking and scheme, but it does help that Cook individually performed well too, ranking third among all running backs with at least 100 carries in Pro Football Focus run grade, an evaluation built off of elusiveness and decision- making.

Strengths: Cook wins in perhaps the most important running back ability — contact balance. He does a good job initiating and taking on contact at difficult tackling angles. As a result, he ranks seventh of 50 running backs with at least 300 touches from 2017 to 2019 in PFF elusiveness rating, which counts missed tackles forced and yards after contact. The Florida State product boasts good footwork in tight areas — can run choppy or smooth as the play dictates. His plant-and-go capability necessary for a zone scheme is excellent and his acceleration above-average for the position. Cook generally has good vision, especially within the constraints of the scheme, and can play with patience or urgency as the situation demands — particularly on outside zone. Good at eating lost plays for small gains instead of freelancing and losing big yardage. Doesn’t miss often in pass protection and understands his assignments. He’s a functional route-runner with good elusiveness. Finishes runs through contact and doesn’t gear down on big plays.

Weaknesses: He’s only been available for 30 of 48 regular-season games due to injury (playing 29 but sitting out Week 17 of 2019), missing substantial time in two of three seasons. Cook’s build issues coming out of college have been seemingly verified by NFL availability. His issues are a concern, too — one fumble every 67 carries in college, worse than the NFL average, and a similar rate so far in the pros. Though vision is generally good, he will sometimes make baffling decisions, though 2019 was much better than 2018 or 2017 in this regard. Ability against contact in 2019 wasn’t as effective as in previous years. Despite contact balance, he doesn’t hit with power or drive extra yards when hit head-on. Power issues also appear in pass protection — Cook was one of the worst pass protectors in success rate last year. Doesn’t make mistakes in pass protection assignments, but he gets bowled over from time to time. His drops in receiving have been a problem every single year — had one of the five worst drop rates among running backs in 2019 and more total drops (seven) than any other back. Route-running capability only extends to a limited route tree. Not enough craftiness to truly be a weapon out of the slot or win more than just angle routes out of the backfield. Though he doesn’t lose gas on big plays, Cook isn’t as fast as faster backs and can get caught out from behind.

(Alika Jenner / Getty Images) Mattison was not a celebrated pick at the bottom of the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, with a number of analysts — myself included — skeptical of the value Mattison provided for that price. While the running back debate on this issue is unsettled, the overall talent level Mattison demonstrated last year provides a solid counter to that prediction. He performed excellently when spelling Cook, showcasing surprisingly similar statistics — Mattison broke slightly more tackles per 100 carries and slightly outgained Cook in yards after contact per attempt and outgained him in pure yards per carry.

Strengths: After concerns about his athleticism because of his combine, it’s clear that he has the baseline speed to turn the corner in wide zone and the acceleration to hit the hole. Mattison sometimes shows off his hops with hurdles, which have been surprisingly effective, and demonstrates significant power against contact, generally adding a few yards regardless of who tackles him. His leg drive allows him to keep plays alive after they would normally die. Like Cook, he has fantastic balance and can use that to break out of ankle tackles or bad tackling angles. Cut down on jump cut habit in college. Doesn’t take bad risks, allowing the play design to lead him where he needs to go. Good hands technique. Mattison generally makes the right decision when presented with several lanes and isn’t afraid to cut back across the formation if the OL is out-leveraged. Showcased good pass protection technique in college.

Weaknesses: Very rarely does he decide to take open space when hitting the open field, preferring to power into defenders instead of cutting to grass. His hip flexibility/agility inhibits footwork, sometimes cannot make the right move even when he sees the right lane. Vision operates just half a tick late, turning five-yard gains into two-yard ones. While showing better speed/acceleration than his combine times, both are still an issue for Mattison. His explosion/acceleration doesn’t match impressive explosion scores at the combine. Lack of top-end speed prevents him from making big breakout plays, and he can get run down from behind. Only had six pass protection reps in 2019, which could be a sign he still had difficulty picking up the scheme after making mistakes in this role at Boise State — good at blocking in college but bad at figuring out who to block. Wasn’t particularly great on those six reps, allowing pressure. Hands technique as a pass-catcher is fine but doesn’t always hang on to the ball.

C.J. Ham (Brad Rempel / USA Today) C.J. Ham The Vikings are one of the few teams left in the NFL that rosters a fullback, much less sees heavy usage out of them. Only San Francisco used a fullback more — by just one snap — and that involves the somewhat unique case of the multi-capable Kyle Juszczyk. As far as pure blocking fullbacks go, C.J. Ham stands alone in the NFL in pure usage.

Strengths: Great power; can knock even the strongest linebackers back at the point of attack. Ham consistently finds his way underneath pads to deliver more power. His lower-body strength translates into every aspect of his play. Does a good job of turning awkward angles into effective blocks. He has surprising agility for his size and complements it with excellent balance. Knows the angles he needs to take in order to pop open big runs. When given the ball, Ham does a good job avoiding negative runs and has a reasonable conversion rate for first downs. He has great hands technique as a pass-catcher. Explosion allows him to turn open field into big gains in the passing game. He’s become more decisive as a blocker.

Weaknesses: Best year as a blocker was Year 1. 2019 was an improvement over his 2018 performance, but it remains a concern. Still has issues at times with block selection, sometimes allowing linebackers a clean pass to the running back. Ham has difficulty as an offset fullback away from the play — doesn’t have enough athleticism to beat linebackers at the second level on those runs. Could do a little more from a leverage perspective: He manages to get low on defenders but could deliver more power. Still doesn’t approach blocks with the right punch timing, can lose battle for first contact and sacrifices leverage advantage.

Ameer Abdullah (Rich Barnes / USA Today) Once a high-value draft prospect, Abdullah’s career didn’t pan out the way he or the imagined. After generating only 3.8 yards per carry for Detroit, the Lions let him go for and the Vikings seem to be the beneficiaries, finding a capable kick returner — though one with a fumbling problem. The long odds of a Cook holdout might increase the importance of a player like Abdullah, but what matters most is the special teams battle.

Strengths: Abdullah boasts great short-area quickness and can string together different types of moves in lanes, from lane-shifting jump cuts to tinier movements in the crease to create space. He’s a good zone runner and understands which lanes to take and whether or not to take advantage of cutbacks. Open-field decisions are top-notch both as a running back and as a returner. Power exceeds size and digs in against tackles, sometimes gaining extra yards despite head-on contact. He understands leverage well both in the run game and in pass protection. Acceleration out of hand-off is great. He’s likely a better runner than career numbers indicate; had poor blocking in Detroit and produced 5.0 yards per carry in Minnesota. Abdullah has most baseline and technical tools down as a running back and is a great generalist.

Weaknesses: Continues to fumble at an alarming rate: On runs, he at a 1.8 percent rate, well above the league average. Fumbles much more on kickoffs at 5.5 percent — alarming, even after accounting for generally higher fumble rates league-wide on kickoffs. The issue followed him from college (2.8 percent fumble rate on runs) and has never been solved. His small hand size might be the culprit, which makes it likely that the problem is persistent. Despite good vision, Abdullah sometimes takes bad risks as a runner, trying to make more of the play than is there. His size makes it difficult to trust as a bell cow, might only be a change-of-pace back. Might not fulfill that role entirely either, as he doesn’t have elite speed and even has issues turning the corner on wide runs. Also can’t operate as a scatback because of a general lack of aptitude in the receiving game. His route-running isn’t decisive and can plod in routes, losing separation and quickness. Without explosion, power or speed, Abdullah doesn’t really have a specific running back role well suited for him.

Mike Boone (Brace Hemmelgarn / USA Today) Mike Boone Aiming to be a better NFL running back than he was in college, Boone has the capability to flex his receiving ability for the Vikings to go along with his excellent athleticism. He was able to grab some playing time near the end of the year with Cook out due to injury and the Vikings resting their critical players in Week 17. He turned those opportunities into a fantastic 5.6 yards-per-carry average.

Strengths: Tons of breakaway talent — in just 49 carries, had as many runs of 40-plus yards (two) as had in 250 carries. He has fantastic physical talent from initial acceleration to long speed as well as strength at the point of attack; gets extra yards after contact despite size. Boone boasts good open-field instincts; knows when to drive into a defender and when to seek grass. He might be the best overall athlete on the offensive side of the ball. Not breakaway dependent — yards-per-carry on runs of 15 yards or fewer higher than league average (3.96 versus 3.71). Knows how to initiate contact while minimizing force; defenders can slide off of him. He’s a great route-runner; can be split out into the slot or run routes from the backfield. He has the greatest route diversity of any running back on the team.

Weaknesses: Has never taken on a full load as a running back in the NFL or in college. Likely limited to scatback role. His conservative running style in college has translated to conservative running style in the NFL; too often takes short gains, doesn’t take enough chances. Even though breakout numbers are good, he counterintuitively gave up too many three-yard gains for losses because he stuck to play design too faithfully. Breakout numbers are a combination of athleticism and good blocking; he rarely created his own breakout opportunities. Line-of-scrimmage vision will likely never improve beyond where it is. Doesn’t demonstrate advanced running back techniques like pressing the lane or eye discipline.

(Charles LeClaire / USA Today) Tony Brooks-James A speedster in the style of Boone, Tony Brooks-James is another player who has kick-return upside and is almost always ready to break a big play. After a phenomenal preseason with Atlanta, where he averaged 7.2 yards per carry, he was cut and ended up with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who saw fit to play him in relief at the end of a few games. After an injury-plagued college career, Brooks-James likely is on his last legs in his attempt to make the Vikings roster.

Strengths: Though his published pro day time is 4.49, some scouts had him running at 4.38, which matches his college accomplishments; he was once recorded running a max speed of 22 miles per hour in-game and was featured on the Oregon track team as a freshman, recording a personal best of 10.50 seconds in the 100-meter dash and his high school personal best in the 60-meter dash was the second-fastest recorded that season across the country. He registered six runs (out of 25) of 10 yards or more in the preseason, though four occurred in the final game against fourth-stringers. He doesn’t just have long speed either — his acceleration in college was elite. NFL yards-per-carry doesn’t reflect reality — had long runs taken away by penalties and took a four-yard loss on a rare running back kneel to end the game. Ran zone in college, did a reasonable job with cutbacks. He has good open- field instincts and has kick return experience at Oregon.

Weaknesses: Significant injury history in college, including multiple lower-body injuries ranging from ankle to thigh to knee. Tripped in a wide-open field in rare regular-season NFL play, and generally has some balance issues, especially against contact. His size is a concern and multiplies his injury history. Averse to contact; doesn’t attempt to run through defenders. He doesn’t have very much power and can’t push defenders for extra yards. Vision is iffy; regular-season runs were all to the outside. He often bounced runs unnecessarily in college — was too risk-happy. Will probably never be a between-the-tackles runner. Despite profile as a receiving/change-of-pace back, Brooks- James doesn’t have a significant route tree to draw off of.

(Bob Donnan / USA Today) Many expected Bargas to build on his strong 2018 as a blocking specialist for North Carolina as a new high-flying offense was brought in. But the shift to an Air Raid system saw Bargas largely relegated to a special teams role, playing as the third tight end in a system that only ever put one on the field except in goal-line situations.

Strengths: Though his 2019 season is difficult to evaluate because of limited snap count, his 2018 season as a blocker was fairly good. Active, violent hands. Aggressive and seems to relish blocking. Bargas plays through the whistle and consistently finishes blocks. He tends to get underneath pads of defenders and usually wins the leverage battle. Often hits with a jolt and can clear some space with a runway. Seems to track the ball well and make adjustments. He has substantial special teams experience with every unit.

Weaknesses: As a third-string tight end for North Carolina — a team that enjoyed running three-receiver sets in shotgun — there just aren’t many snaps to evaluate for him. Increased participation in 2018 doesn’t showcase the kind of player that can flex as a capable receiver, with below-average quickness and speed with a limited route tree. Primary experience is in-line, will need to adapt to playing from offset or in the I. He seemed to play about seven snaps a game in 2019, very difficult to evaluate. Can lunge a little too easily in blocks, which admittedly is less of a problem at fullback than tight end but does implicate his capabilities as a pass protector. Has some difficulties taking blocks at awkward angles. Speed is an issue and can lose linebackers away when starting away from the play. PUBLICATION: Purple Insider DATE: 7/10/20

Under odd circumstances, which Vikings players face make-or- break camp?

By Matthew Coller

The NFL offseason has already been one of the most unique in history and based on the run-up to other sports kicking off, it might only get more bizarre as we go forward.

Still the league is planning on going forward with its preseason starting on July 28, so as we count down to the first practices of the offseason, we’ll have a series of different things to watch at Vikings camp, starting with which players are facing make-or-break camps…

Guard, Once thought to be the future at center, Elflein’s career was derailed by a severe injury suffered in the NFC Championship game in 2017 that led to a rocky 2018 season and subsequently pushed to the Vikings to him to guard and replace him with first-round pick .

In his first season as a guard, Elflein graded 56th out of 63 at his position by PFF in pass blocking and gave up the second most sacks of all guards. He was especially pummeled in the NFC Divisional game against San Francisco in which the former Ohio State standout allowed two sacks and five pressures and graded a 9.5 (out of 100) in pass blocking.

“I think that Pat did some really good things in the run game, I think there were times that he struggled in pass protection and he has to get better there, not as good as he needed to be,” said during a side session with beat reporters at the NFL Combine.

Zimmer’s assessment matches up with the data. PFF graded Elflein the 12th best run blocking guard in 2019. But the importance of being a quality run blocker isn’t close to protecting . If Elflein doesn’t show vast improvement in pass blocking during camp, he could be replaced.

However, the Vikings did not make a massive push to improve the guard spot (or at least they haven’t yet). They let go Josh Kline and only draft in the seventh round. The possibility still exists, even in a shortened camp, that we could see Riley Reiff at guard with the Vikings’ bevy of tackles.

Cornerback, Holton Hill There was so much concern about Holton Hill’s off-field activities that the entire NFL passed on him in the 2018 draft despite being graded as a early-to-middle round pick. In his first year as a Viking, he flashed the talent that everyone saw at Texas. In 213 coverage snaps, he gave up just 16 receptions on 31 targets and a 67.0 rating on throws his way (per PFF). But he was suspended twice the following offseason, leading to an 8-game suspension and landing him directly in Zimmer’s dog house.

Opportunities arose for Hill to play in 2019 but he barely saw the field (108 coverage snaps, 43 of which game in Week 17’s meaningless game).

With and Xavier Rhodes gone, the door is wide open for Hill to step in as a starting outside corner. The Vikings drafted and Cam Dantzler but expecting both to be ready with a shortened offseason could be a tough ask. The Vikings’ 2018 first-round pick Mike Hughes may end up playing a nickel role and Kris Boyd will be included in the competition.

Hill has a leg up with two years in Zimmer’s system and (to date) hasn’t had any issues this offseason.

If he doesn’t come through with a strong camp or has any more punishable offenses, the Vikings may opt to keep other players with potential and without baggage.

Receiver,

*Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings really like Beebe as a Jarius Wright type of slot receiver who can create separation from defenders and gain yards in key spots. The problem is that they have barely seen Beebe in real games. In two years, he has six appearances and has grabbed six passes for 109 yards. Five of his six receptions have been first downs. But injuries have kept Beebe off the field in both of his two big opportunities.

His 2019 injury was fluky. He ran into an Oakland defender trying to lay a block and suffered a leg injury which eventually required surgery. This offseason the Vikings didn’t show signs of waiting for his 2020 emergence. They added Tajae Sharpe in free agency and drafted and KJ Osborn.

With a strong, healthy camp, Beebe could still work his way into a job with the receiving corps looking something like: , Jefferson, , Sharpe, Beebe. In that case, he would have to hold off the bullpen of players fighting for a job like Osborn, , Davion Davis and Alexander Hollins.

Defensive tackle, Jaleel Johnson Over the past three years, the Vikings have struggled to figure out exactly what they have in the former Iowa star. They have moved him back and forth from three-technique to nose tackle several times and eventually landed on using him as Linval Joseph’s backup last year. While Johnson has nose tackle weight at 316 pounds, handling Joseph’s responsibilities is more of a Jerry Ball or Pat Williams sized task — hence why the Vikings signed massive Michael Pierce to a $27 million contract this offseason. Johnson graded 118th of 124 defensive tackles (with at least 200 snaps) against the run.

He hasn’t created pressure when given opportunities, either. While Johnson managed 3.5 sacks last season, he’s only totaled 18 QB pressures in 432 career pass rushing snaps.

The defensive tackle position is loaded with competition but Johnson’s flexibility could give him a chance to hold down a backup role if he performs well in camp. However, played a number of snaps at nose last year and appears to have a high upside.

Defensive tackle, Hercules Mata’afa The Vikings have been enthralled with Mata’afa’s skills since signing him as a UDFA in 2018. He was highly productive rushing inside in college but the team didn’t appear to know what to do with him at first, trying him at linebacker and defensive end before he tore his ACL in his first offseason.

Last offseason, Zimmer raved about him early and give Mata’afa plenty of preseason chances but during the regular season he barely saw the field and wasn’t successful when he did get chances. Per PFF, he picked up just four QB pressures on 90 pass rush snaps. Even in the throwaway Week 17 game, he only played 14 snaps.

With the Vikings spending a fourth-round pick on James Lynch in hopes of another situational rusher, Mata’afa will have to go a long way in this year’s camp to show that he can overcome his lack of size to rush NFL quarterbacks.

Offensive lineman, Aviante Collins I was reminded by Zone Coverage’s Sam Ekstrom on the Purple Insider podcast that Collins is 27 years old and has appeared in five total games since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Collins made an impression as a versatile lineman with great athleticism in 2018 camp but he’s been injured each of the last two years. Last season he started Week 17 and played at both left tackle and left guard, allowing one QB pressure and producing a solid 67.5 pass blocking grade from PFF.

Collins is the ultimate wild card in the battle for starting guard positions. None of the favorites — Elflein, , — have given the Vikings reason to be locked into them as options. The door is open for an outside contender like Collins to slide in.

He could also win a backup gig but the competition is stiff among tackles with , and the favorites to hold down backup spots.

If Collins can’t stay healthy or stand out, the team might go with younger players like seventh-rounder Kyle Hinton instead.

Receiver, Tajae Sharpe We have heard this song before.

Last year the Vikings signed former Bronco Jordan Taylor and during OTAs it appeared he would be the No. 3 receiver. By the end of camp, he was surpassed by Chad Beebe and Bisi Johnson and was cut. In 2018, Kendall Wright never caught onto John DeFilippo’s offense and was let go despite having a strong previous season in Chicago.

Sharpe will be in the mix with a bunch of home grown receivers that have potential, many of whom have been in Gary Kubiak’s system for at least a year. Players like Dillon Mitchell, Alexander Hollins, Davion Davis etc. have a leg up in an offseason in which there has been no OTAs or minicamps.

However, last year Sharpe did re-emerge with Ryan Tannehill under center last year, catching 26 passes on 38 targets for 335 yards and four . With other weapons like Adam Thielen, Irv Smith and Justin Jefferson likely to gain the majority of targets, the Vikings need Sharpe to grasp the offense enough to be a role player. If that doesn’t happen quickly, they’ll go younger.

Defensive tackle, The Vikings picked Holmes in the fourth round of the 2018 draft with hopes that they could take his raw talent and turn it into production. At Ohio State, he only picked up 4.0 sacks in his junior and senior seasons but he fits the mold of recent Vikings success stories along the D-line with a 87th percentile wing span among D-linemen (per Mockdraftable) and 74th percentile 40-yard dash. Those physical traits have not yet translated into success.

Outside of Week 17, Holmes saw only 35 regular season snaps and in total picked up zero QB pressures. Similarly to Mata’afa, Holmes’s chances were not helped by the Vikings selecting Lynch in the first round. Lynch had the opposite of Holmes’s college career as he was one of the most productive players in the nation as a pass rusher.

Still we have seen late bloomers on the D-line. didn’t play until his third year and Ifeadi Odenigbo was cut twice. If the Vikings see something in a D-lineman, there’s always a chance he blossoms. PUBLICATION: Maven Media DATE: 7/10/20

66 Days Until Vikings Football: Will James Lynch Start at Three- Technique?

By Will Ragatz

As we count down the days until the Vikings' opener against the Packers on September 13th, InsideTheVikings will be previewing every single player on the roster. The amount of days remaining corresponds with the jersey number of the player being examined on that day. Today is July 9th, and there are 66 days until kickoff for the 2020 regular season. That means it's time for our first break from the offensive line in a while.

Countdown to Vikings-Packers on September 13th: 66 Days

Player Preview: James Lynch (No. 66, Defensive Tackle) USATSI_13432865_168388404_lowres (1) College: Baylor Drafted: 2020 fourth round (130th overall) NFL experience: N/A Age: 21 (Birthday was in January) Size: 6'4", 289 2019 PFF Grade: N/A Notable 2019 stats (NCAA): 41 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 13.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, 3 FF, 2 FR Notable career stats (NCAA): 100 tackles, 35 TFL, 22 sacks, 7 pass breakups, 3 FF, 2 FR

One of the most interesting selections the Vikings made in this year's draft came in the middle of the fourth round. They had just kicked off Day 3 by selecting D.J. Wonnum, a raw, athletic defensive end prospect from South Carolina. 13 picks later, the Vikings added another pass rusher, but this time went with one with an almost completely different profile. If the Wonnum pick was all about potential, taking Baylor's James Lynch 130th overall was all about production.

The balance between how NFL teams view potential and production is a fascinating one. The most important thing when it comes to prospects is projecting how their game will translate to the NFL level. But it does sometimes feel like teams get overly caught up in prioritizing measurables and testing numbers over actual college performance. Lynch was an elite college player, and the Vikings are hoping that the skills that allowed him to thrive in the Big 12 will help him become a star in the NFL.

A native of Round Rock, TX, Lynch was a three-star prospect who chose to play for Matt Rhule and Baylor over the likes of USC and TCU. As an 18-year-old true freshman, he played in 11 games and recorded three sacks. He increased that production to 9.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as a full-time starter during his sophomore year, and was named second team All-Big 12. In 2019, Lynch exploded for a Baylor team that won 11 games and reached the conference title game. He finished the year with 19.5 TFLs, 13.5 sacks, five passes defended, and three forced fumbles. He was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American after leading the entire FBS in pressures.

Where Lynch wins is with power, effort, and solid technique. He's nothing special athletically, which was reflected in his combine numbers. Lynch posted solid marks in the short shuttle and broad jump, but the rest of his testing numbers were fairly mediocre. Still, that doesn't mean he can't be successful at the NFL level. He's an intelligent, instinctive pass rusher who plays with good leverage and knows how to find his way to the quarterback. Lynch is powerful at the point of attack and has a variety of moves to get around his opponent. He's got good hands and plays with a red-hot motor while still staying under control.

Lynch played on the edge as a 3-4 defensive end at Baylor, but doesn't have the length, bend, or explosiveness to play outside at the next level. He was drafted as a defensive tackle, where his combination of power and pass- rushing savvy could allow him to thrive.

Even on the interior of the defensive line, Lynch's lack of elite athleticism is a major question mark when it comes to his NFL upside. It's why he fell to the fourth round despite his lofty numbers in 2019. Will he have the explosiveness to penetrate gaps and cause problems for guards? Will he be enough of a force in the running game to ever earn a three-down role, or will he be limited to passing downs? These are questions that Lynch has to answer.

If he answers them in impressive fashion in his first training camp, Lynch has a legitimate chance to play right away with the Vikings. Minnesota desperately needs to replace at three-technique next to nose tackle Michael Pierce, and that player will ideally be able to create interior pressure. It'll be a big-time competition between a number of players, with Stephen, Armon Watts, Hercules Mata'afa, Jalyn Holmes, and Jaleel Johnson all potentially factoring in. But don't count Lynch out. He had more college production than any of those players and might actually be the best fit for the 3T job.

Vikings Defensive Tackles Preview: Who Will Emerge at Three-Technique?

This shortened offseason and the fact that Lynch is just 21 years old are two reasons why he may not jump into a major role right away. Whether he does or not, the Vikings believe Andre Patterson can help Lynch continue to develop, and that his talent will lead him to a long, productive career.

Previous DT player previews:

No. 98: Previewing Michael Pierce's impact in 2020 No. 96: Armon Watts could have a big role No. 94: Previewing Jaleel Johnson's 2020 season No. 93: Will Shamar Stephen remain a starter? No. 91: Will Jalyn Holmes step up? You can find every single player preview to date – plus other offseason content – in this handy spreadsheet. PUBLICATION: Vikings Entertainment Network DATE: 7/10/20

Minnesota Vikings Podcast Episode 50 Highlights: D.J. Wonnum's Early Film Study with DC Andre Patterson & Young Leadership Abilities

By Chris Corso

Vikings fourth-round draft pick D.J. Wonnum knows he has a lot to learn from longtime defensive line guru and Co- Defensive Coordinator Andre Patterson.

Wonnum felt a connection with Patterson before joining the roster.

"My first big encounter with Coach Patterson was at the Combine," Wonnum said. "Him seeing a future in me there, I was kind of already excited about potentially being a Viking.

"I didn't know 100 percent, but I had a great feeling," Wonnum smiled. "Leaving that meeting with him, I was like 'Man, I gotta play for the Vikings.' "

The bond continued during the Vikings offseason program when virtual meetings offered the coach an opportunity to critique the prospect.

"Coach [watched] my film from college and [was] able to show me all the things I've done wrong," Wonnum said. "Him having a lot of praise for me when he's taught those other great guys before me has me excited to get up there and get to work."

It's well-documented that bought in to Patterson's plan early on during his rookie season, resulting in him becoming the youngest player in NFL history to amass 50 career sacks.

Although the interactions this offseason between the trio haven't been in person, Wonnum has picked up on Hunter's leadership as a 25-year-old.

"From the meetings and the walk-throughs, you can definitely feel Danielle's leadership presence."

Below are four other highlights from Wonnum's appearance on the Minnesota Vikings Podcast:

D.J. Wonnum College Highlights 1. Leader at South Carolina

Speaking of leadership qualities by a young player, Wonnum has quite the resume to look back on during his days at South Carolina.

"My teammates voted me a captain as a sophomore. It was an incredible feeling, just knowing that you're a young guy and a lot of guys already look up to you," Wonnum said. "I knew I had to be on my P's and Q's every single day."

Wonnum: I'm Excited To Be A Viking 2. Huge Senior Season

Wonnum was South Carolina's 2019 Comeback Player of the Year after he was limited to just five games in 2018 due to injury.

Still a team captain in 2019, Wonnum collected Second-Team All-SEC honors from TheAssociated Press after recording 37 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

"My junior season was definitely a hard time, especially with never having any serious injuries before," Wonnum said. "It kind of just taught me things. You've gotta go harder, and you have to be a leader for your teammates even though you're not on the field. Just coming into Vikings Nation, I feel like that leadership is going to set me apart."

Vikings Select South Carolina DE D.J. Wonnum In Round 4 of the 2020 NFL Draft 3. Facing SEC Competition

Playing in the SEC for four seasons definitely boasts heavy competition against some of the best programs in each season.

When asked about what team had the toughest offensive lineman, Wonnum was quick to note that Andrew Thomas, the fourth overall pick for the in this year's draft was a tough matchup.

"Week-in and week-out in the SEC, it's great competition," Wonnum said. "The Georgia offensive line was pretty good. I went against those guys, but like every week, everybody is good. Just being able to get better and play against high competition was a great thing."

"It's kind of a step forward, playing against guys in college that are first rounders like Andrew Thomas," Wonnum added. "It kind of just shows me what I am going to be facing in the league."

1-on-1 With D.J. Wonnum 4. Football family

Wonnum's younger brother, Dylan, is currently a tackle at South Carolina.

Dylan is two years younger than D.J. and started on the offensive line as a freshman. D.J. enjoyed being able to take part in his brother's development as a Gamecock.

"It was great having him come to South Carolina and showing him the ropes," Wonnum said. "He's been doing a great job, and I'm excited for the future."