With the NFL Draft just three weeks away, teams are beginning to shift into high-gear to evaluate prospects. While the top talents in the Draft are already making headlines, there’s plenty of underrated and unheralded players that could provide value to the Vikings.
Here are a few of those sleepers the Vikings reportedly have interest in.
Moritz Boehringer – wide receiver
Is 🇩🇪 wide receiver Moritz Boehringer set for the NFL? https://t.co/1RfjBJZLWK pic.twitter.com/lknYxNOqGz
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) March 31, 2016
This 22-year-old German-born wide receiver is already being labeled as a possible sleeper by some scouts thanks to his performance at the Florida Atlantic pro day. Boeringer, who played his first season in the German Football League last year for a team called the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns, ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and registered a vertical of 39 inches.
According to NFL.com, the big German’s pro-day numbers would have put him within the top five receivers tested at the NFL’s scouting combine in February, and Boeringer’s 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame could allow him some flexibility to play at tight end.
Plus, he’s got some affection for Minnesota. 1500 ESPN’s Andrew Kramer reported that Boeringer grew up a Vikings fan, and Jacksonville beat writer Mike Kaye says that his favorite player of all time is Randy Moss.
That affection appears to be mutual – NFL.com reports that the Vikings scheduled a visit with Boehringer after the player’s pro-day a week ago.
Tyrone Holmes – defensive end
Pro day in the books ✔️ pic.twitter.com/QxCfKytmOy
— Tyrone Holmes (@Tyrone_Holmes_) March 22, 2016
While Tyrone Holmes was snubbed for an NFL combine invite, his pro-day stats and performance for the University of Montana Grizzlies make him an intriguing prospect. KSTP’s Darren Wolfson confirmed on Twitter Holmes will be working out for the Vikings this week.
Holmes was the FCS Defensive player of the year last year, registering 18 sacks, according to NBC Montana, and drew a turnout of almost 20 teams to see his pro-day workout. Holmes is a bulky 6-feet, 2 inches tall, and 253 pounds, making his 4.6-second 40-yard dash all the more impressive. The former Grizzlies standout also ran several drills to showcase his versatility as a potential fill-in linebacker.
According to NFL.com, Vikings’ defensive line coach Andre Patterson was in attendance for Holmes’ pro day, and compared the prospect favorably to Minnesota lineman Everson Griffen.
Jordan Jenkins – linebacker
Eyes on the prize đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/6Nkh6Rf91V
— Jordan Jenkins (@jordanOLB) March 1, 2016
Jordan Jenkins is a senior out of the University of Georgia where he was a three-year starter and team captain, racking up 10-plus tackles-for-loss per season. According to NFL.com, the 6-foot-3, 259-pound Jenkins has a nagging groin injury that has sunk his draft stock slightly.
Scouts at CBS loved his edge-setting abilities and admired his ability to play with his hands on the ground as a defensive end. NFL.com has been highly complimentary of Jenkins’ solid frame, as well as the player’s long arms and large hands, which help him shed blockers at the point of attack. Plus, he once did this in practice:
In honor of #LeapDay pic.twitter.com/xRmAptfD8M
— Jordan Jenkins (@jordanOLB) February 29, 2016
NFL Network’s Rand Getlin confirmed that the Vikings had plans for a workout with Jenkins on Twitter in late March.
