After sitting out day two of the NFL Draft in its entirety, the Minnesota Vikings made five selections on Saturday. The third day of the draft is always about filling out the roster, getting depth in a position that needs it, and getting guys who at the very least can compete and push the guys higher on the depth chart.
Minnesota Vikings Day Three Recap
Round 4 Pick 108: Khyree Jackson CB Oregon
Khyree Jackson is an incredible story. He was a no-star recruit out of high school, signed with a Juco Program, and ended up quitting football and starting to train for video game tournaments for a few years while working at a grocery store. Then, he gets a call from a Community College in Kansas and plays there for a year, transfers to East Mississippi Community College, (fans of Last Chance U on Netflix know all about EMCC) then transfers to Alabama, then Oregon for his final year of eligibility. He’s an older prospect at almost 25 years old, but his 6’3” height and aggressive play style paired with Brian Flores and the style of defense he runs makes this a match made in heaven. In a deep and competitive cornerback room, Jackson will compete with Mekhi Blackmon, Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth, and free agent Shaquil Griffin, who are all fighting for a wide-open CB2 spot on the depth chart.
Round 6 Pick 177: Walter Rouse OT Oklahoma
Walter Rouse, a biochemical engineering major at Stanford, transferred to Oklahoma for his final year of eligibility. He started all but one game in his collegiate career racking up 52 starts over five years. While he tested well at his pro day, his agility scores were below average, meaning he’ll probably stay as a tackle and will be coached as the future backup swing tackle behind the two pro bowlers on the Vikings roster. His vertical and broad jumps were both elite, which displays great explosion and power off the line of scrimmage. Rouse will compete with veteran David Quessenberry along with other undrafted free agents for a backup tackle spot.
Round 6 Pick 203: Will Reichard K Alabama
If you’re curious about who has scored the most points in NCAA history, look no further. Scoring 547 points in four years at Alabama, Will Reichard is the highest scorer of all time. Reichard was the first kicker taken and a run on other kickers followed. It’s tough to look at kickers for the Vikings without the PTSD that follows them at this position, but ignoring that, Reichard is viewed by many as the best kicker in this draft. Reichard will compete with John Parker Romo, who played in the XFL for the 2023 season.
Round 7 Pick 230: Michael Jurgens IOL Wake Forest
Michael Jurgens (99% sure no relation to Cam Jurgens, a lineman for the Eagles) played guard and center for the Demon Deacons. He started 34 games in his collegiate career and earned All-ACC second-team honors at guard. His weight and bench press testing were both below average at guard, but he makes up for it with his vertical and broad jumps, along with an outstanding 3-cone. Jurgens will compete with Tyrese Robinson, who was on the practice squad for the Vikings last year, along with other undrafted free agents, for a backup interior-offensive line spot. His guard and center flexibility give him an edge over others who can’t play both.
Round 7 Pick 232: Levi Drake Rodriguez IDL Texas A&M University-Commerce
The first Texas A&M University-Commerce player drafted since 2000, and the fourth player from the school drafted by the Vikings (Autry Beamon, Wade Wilson, and Antonio Wilson) Rodriguez played his last two years at A&M Commerce, earning First Team All-SLC honors with 7.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, and was the MVP of the Tropical Bowl. Rodriguez tested as an average athlete at his pro day, but Kwesi Adofo-Mensah raved about his mindset and positive attitude in his post-draft press conference. In a baron interior-defensive live room, Rodriguez will compete with Jaquelin Roy and Jerry Tillery, along with other undrafted free agents for a rotational spot at defensive tackle.
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