Keyron Crawford Could Put the Vikings’ D-Line Over the Top

The Minnesota Vikings need to bolster their defensive line. Though they need more help on the interior than exterior, they can likely get Auburn’s Keyron Crawford, an elite pass rusher with great production, in the third round.

Despite being projected as a third-round pick, Crawford has plenty of interest from the NFL, totaling well over 10 visits to various teams.

Keyron Crawford started his collegiate career at Arkansas State in 2022. He improved every year, reaching a statistical high point in his sophomore campaign in 2023, totaling 5.5 sacks. Like many modern-day college football players, this productive year at a non-Power 5 school allowed Crawford to transfer to the highest level of college football, that being the SEC.

Crawford had a great 2024 at Auburn, tallying 24 total pressures and a win rate of 15.5%

 

 

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He continued this into 2025, totaling five sacks. At one point, he was the highest-graded defensive lineman in the SEC.

Crawford also had a rare interception as a defensive lineman last year.

He certainly made an impact on the field, but what intangibles and skills specifically make him stand out to the NFL? Crawford has better hand placement than most defensive linemen coming out of college. That should make him stand out to scouts and Brian Flores.

Crawford is also extremely aggressive and a great closer. He doesn’t miss tackles much, which is rare for someone who can close on the ball with such urgency.

That’s also a testament to his effort, something that will endear him to the Vikings. Crawford is also very quick to get off the line, which is incredibly hard to teach.

Having that instinct is rare among players, and it complements his ability to track down the ball carrier.

Crawford has often been compared to his teammate, Keldric Faulk, who is projected to be drafted in the first round. Many attribute Crawford's production to Faulk's presence. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Faulk and Crawford are different players with distinct skillsets.

Crawford is much more of a natural pass rusher, while Faulk is an excellent run defender. They complement each other well. The clip below shows that Crawford's pass-rushing technique is miles better than Faulk’s, and his production is largely individual.

Though Crawford is a great pass rusher, that doesn’t mean that he struggles against the run.

Crawford can consistently gain inside leverage, whether it’s to get a sack or make a tackle for loss. Having this ability allowed Crawford to control the line of scrimmage while also maintaining gap integrity.

There’s a strong correlation between Senior Bowl performance and NFL success, and Crawford sacked Heisman finalist Diego Pavia in the Senior Bowl.

The Vikings were fifth in the NFL in sacks in 2025, totaling 49, an impressive feat. Adding Crawford to this mix could be what puts them over the top.

Crawford joining Minnesota’s defensive line would be a huge addition, one that could decrease injury risk to Dallas Turner and Jonathan Greenard. Additionally, allowing Crawford to learn behind them would be a great opportunity for him to develop.

The Vikings should be in a prime position to draft Keyron Crawford at the 82nd-overall pick in the third round. It could make a great defensive line even better, potentially being the difference-maker the Vikings need.