CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN'S DRAFT TRADES
ROSS BLACKLOCK
HEIGHT/WEIGHT/AGE
6-foot-3
290 pounds
21 years old
BIG PICTURE
Ross Blacklock is a four-star recruit that put together two seasons at TCU sandwiched around a lost 2018 after he tore his Achilles. Blacklock rebounded from that, losing 25 pounds in the process, to produce a solid junior campaign where he sacked the quarterback 3.5 times. Blacklock's father was a Harlem Globetrotter, and the defensive tackle is also very athletic. With a limited track record, he'll need to hone his craft on the fly at the next level, but he has the physical tools to do it.
COMBINE NOTABLES
4.9 40-yard dash
29-inch vertical
107-inch broad jump (5th worst)
7.77 3-cone drill
4.67 20-yard shuttle
VIKINGS COMPATIBILITY RANKING
2.5 out of 5. The Vikings will have to determine whether a player at or close to Blacklock's caliber would be available a couple rounds later. Taking him in the first two rounds might be a stretch.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DRAFT EXPERTS SAY
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "Flashes menacing disruptive qualities as a gap seeker, but is just ordinary when forced to sit and take on blocks. Blacklock rebounded from a 2018 Achilles injury and showed off basketball quickness that was often too much for a single blocker. However, his technique and hand usage need work, as he's inconsistent holding the point and keeping his feet. He's a hit-or-miss run defender, but he's a relentless pass rusher with elite lateral quickness and change of direction to exploit interior galoots and open pathways to the pocket. Blacklock needs development as a one-gapping three-technique with rare movement talent and intriguing rush potential."
Kyle Crabbs, Draft Network: "Ross Blacklock is a scheme diverse talent who has all the physical tools needed to be a disruptive presence up front on an NFL defensive line. Blacklock's length, hand power, lateral agility and first step quickness are all plus qualities and once he's able to polish his pad level/leverage and hand placement, Blacklock will have a chance to be an impact defender. His projection is best as a 3T in an even front, where his athleticism can shine through and allow penetration into the backfield."
WHAT PFF SAYS
89.5 rush defense grade (7th)
Less than 10% pressure rate on non-stunt rushes
0 batted passes in career
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
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