The Vikings may have more planned for rookie Sharrif Floyd than just playing defensive tackle.
The Pioneer Press reports that the team is making Floyd — one of the Vikings’ three first-round picks this year — for some special teams play.
Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer said Saturday that he’s looking at using Floyd on kickoff returns as well as a blocker on opponents field goal attempts.
Priefer said that the 305-pound standout from Florida could be used in the wedge during kickoffs and punt returns, and noted that Floyd blocked some field goals in his three years at the university.
The coordinator said he wouldn’t consider using Floyd in those scenarios if he were a 320-pound nose tackle, but since he has speed, special teams may be a good fit.
“I don’t even know what he weighs. I just know he’s big, strong and he’s got great feet,” Priefer told the Pioneer Press. “At the end of the day, we dress 46 guys. We have to utilize the roster the best we can.”
The defensive standout gained notice at NFL scouting combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.92 seconds.
Floyd was the first of three players the Vikings took in this year’s NFL draft in April as the 23rd pick overall.
The team then went on to select Florida State defensive back Xavier Rhodes with their second first-round pick in the 25th slot, and traded up to nab Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson in the first round at No. 29.
All three rookies signed their contracts with the Vikings Thursday.
