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MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
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Minnesota's best shot at a draft pick comes from Blake Cashman, who came onto the scene as a situational pass-rushing sophomore for the Gophers in 2016, then turned into a third-team All-Conference linebacker as a senior with over 100 tackles. Cashman registered 15 tackles for loss last year to go with 2.5 sacks and five passes defended.
He exploded at the combine with four top-five finishes, including a surprisingly good 40-yard dash time. With some added strength that will come with maturity and an NFL weightlifting program, Cashman could be a three-down professional linebacker.
Size
6-1, 237 pounds
Combine notables
40-yard dash: 4.5 seconds (4th at position)
Bench: 18 reps
Vertical: 37.5 inches (T5th at position)
Broad jump: 124 inches (T3rd at position)
3-cone drill: 6.95 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.12 seconds (4th at position)
What the analysts say
"Limited WILL linebacker who isn't big and isn't fast, but plays with determination and a nose for the ball. Former walk-ons usually have chips on their shoulders that are permanent fixtures and Cashman is no different. He's made the most out of every opportunity he's created for himself, but his lack of athletic traits and length create a small margin for error in his play. If he can improve in taking on blocks and play more instinctively, he could have a chance as a back-end backup and core special-teamer." -- Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
"Cashman is at his best when he can get ID quickly and get on his horse, showing quick feet and clean processing to find the ball and arrive on schedule. Yes, he has some issues with discipline at times, he’ll bounce off a few tackles here and there and he isn’t going to physically dominate the opposition as a block deconstructor. Cashman needs some work, but his athleticism and intensity suggest a decently high ceiling in the NFL, especially if he continues to improve in his key-and-diagnose ability. Ideal day two target." -- Jon Ledyard, The Draft Network
What PFF says
-20th in run-stop percentage
-28th in pass-rush productivity
-31st in tackling efficiency
-131st in coverage snaps/target
[caption id=attachment_48197" align="alignnone" width="631]
Chart via Pro Football Focus Draft Guide[/caption]
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CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
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