Here's a midseason look at the Minnesota Vikings 2015 Draft Class
Rd# 1. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan St.
2. Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
3. Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU
4. T.J. Clemmings, T, Pittsburgh
5. Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland
5. MyCole Pruitt, TE, Southern Illinois
6. Tyrus Thompson, T, Oklahoma
6. B.J. Dubose, DL, Louisville
7. Austin Shepherd, T, Alabama
7. Edmond Robinson, LB, Newberry
First of all, 9 of the 10 players that the Vikings selected in the 2015 NFL Draft are on the roster in some fashion. B.J. Dubose is on the practice squad. Tyrus Thompson is the only player no longer on the team. He's currently on the practice squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The remaining eight from the Vikings draft class are on the 53-man roster.
Eric Kendricks, T.J. Clemmings, and Stefon Diggs are starters. Danielle Hunter started one game when Everson Griffen couldn't suit up against the Kansas City Chiefs. Diggs was named Offensive Rookie of the Week a couple of weeks ago. Kendricks was named Defensive Rookie of the Month for October. That's excellent, early production from a rookie class.
Some fans have been fretting over the lack of immediate production from top pick Trae Waynes. Fans see the terrific defensive work of fellow rookie corners Marcus Peters and Ronald Darby and they scream "We could've had one of them! Rick Spielman's a hack!"Different situations. While not a defensive starter Waynes is making solid contributions on special teams. That shouldn't be ignored. The Vikings also have veteran corner Terrence Newman and he's been very good on the field and excellent as a mentor. Waynes is getting some snaps at corner. He performed well in an extended opportunity against the San Diego Chargers. Philip Rivers immediately went after Waynes and the rookie held his own. Three straight passes went his way and the result was a three-and-out. He gave up a couple receptions but limited the yardage. A Chargers punt was the result. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer seems to be getting Waynes some snaps each game. His time will come.
Eric Kendricks and Stefon Diggs have been the rookie stars through seven games. They've starred despite waiting a little while for their starting roles. Kendricks began the season on the bench in the base defense. He was on the field in nickel situations. This situation resulted in him being on the field far more often than not. He's has been the unquestioned starter at middle linebacker since the Oct. 6 trade of Gerald Hodges to the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings coaches clearly have faith in Kendricks. He hasn't given anyone reason to question that faith. He's been a difference-maker in the middle of the defense. His 4 sacks is second in the league to Clay Matthews among inside linebackers. Diggs had to be more patient. He wasn't even active for the first three games of the season. If it wasn't for injuries to receivers Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright, Diggs might still be waiting for his shot. That's a sad thought. Diggs made an immediate impact as soon as stepped on the field. 6 catches for 87 yards against the tough Denver Broncos defense. He topped that in the next game against the Kansas City Chiefs. 7 catches 129 yards. That production earned him that week's Rookie of the Week award. It also earned him the starting nod in his third game. He responded to that promotion with 6 catches for 108 yards and a spectacular, diving 36-yard touchdown catch. His first of many touchdowns in his hopefully very long Vikings career. With tremendous quickness and advanced route-running, Diggs is a star in the Vikings offense. He and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater have developed a quick, on-field connection.
While not the obvious impact of Kendricks and Diggs, T.J. Clemmings has been steady. He's been the starting right tackle since the start of the season. He was forced into the role after the season-ending achilles injury to Phil Loadholt in preseason. Clemmings has had the expected rookie struggles and it hasn't always been pretty but he's been steady. He's shown improvement each week. He's played well enough and shown the potential that the question now becomes what happens when Loadholt returns next year. Clemmings looks like he should be in the Vikings long-term offensive line plans.
Danielle Hunter was tapped to start when Everson Griffen had to be rushed to the hospital prior to the Chiefs game. Hunter was solid in that start and even earned part of his first NFL sack. He turned 21 last week so he's ridiculously young for an NFL player. He's also ridiculously, physically talented. And uniquely sized at 6'6" and 250 lbs. He's also very raw. Many draft talkers felt that he would have benefited from another year at LSU. They might be right but he's in the NFL now and the Vikings coaches appear to think that he's ready now. Zimmer wouldn't be playing the kid if he wasn't ready. And he's playing more each week. The Vikings even had him dropping into shallow coverage in zone blitzes against the Detroit Lions. The coaches wouldn't be throwing that on his plate if he was some raw talent that should still be learning his way in college. He looks like he could be a pass-rushing force for a long time. For now, he's an important part of the defensive line rotation. He's also make a presence felt on special teams. He's come close to blocking some punts as his height and speed are advantages there.
MyCole Pruitt didn't catch his first NFL pass until the sixth game of the season against the Lions. And that one 13-yard catch showed some of the traits that he brings to the tight end position. It was 3rd and 12 and the Vikings needed to maintain possession. They were on the verge of seizing control of the game and they couldn't afford to give the ball back to a sometimes potent offense. Pruitt found a hole in the defense and Bridgewater found him. But it was only about half of the distance needed for the first down. Pruitt turned and made his way to the required distance. He bulled his way for the final few, much-needed yards. It was a terrific play at a crucial time for the rookie. It also showed his ability to get open and his ability with the ball in his hands. He should be a nice weapon for Bridgewater now and a very important weapon in the future. Maybe even the very near future.
Austin Shepherd has assumed the role of the extra blocker in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He should be factor in offensive line competitions next summer. Probably at guard. He was the first off the bench when Clemmings missed a few plays last week.
Edmond Robinson is a supremely talented athlete that played his college ball at itty-bitty Newberry College in South Carolina. He's a project but he made the 53-man roster out of training camp. He was inactive for each game until the Hodges trade opened a gameday linebacker spot. He should be a solid contributor on the special teams units the rest of the season. He should also be a part of the weak-side linebacker competition next summer.
B.J. DuBose is on the Vikings practice squad. He could be added to the active roster if the Vikings lose anymore defensive linemen to injuries. Hopefully that injury run has ended.
It's still so early but this looks like the sort of draft that sends a team on the correct trajectory. Coming after a 2014 Draft that brought franchise quarterback hopeful Teddy Bridgewater and Anthony Barr and it's easy to see why there are a lot of smiling folks in Minnesota.
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