CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN'S DRAFT TRADES
YETUR GROSS-MATOS
HEIGHT/WEIGHT/AGE
6-foot-5
264 pounds
22 years old
BIG PICTURE
A two-time All-Big Ten selectee, Yetur Gross-Matos enters the draft coming off a pair of big seasons where he recorded 34.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks combined. Reported indicate he became more and more refined throughout his three-year career. Profiles as a 4-3 defensive end. Showed good explosiveness at the combine, though he didn't run. Part of a solid second-tier at defensive end.
COMBINE NOTABLES
20 bench reps (T-3rd worst)
34-inch vertical (4th)
120-inch broad jump (T-6th)
VIKINGS' COMPATIBILITY RANKING
2.5 out of 5. The Vikings need to replace Everson Griffen, so is this the year they make a rare splash at defensive end in the first couple rounds? It still feels like corner, receiver and O-line might be more pressing, but Gross-Matos could be tempting in their first three picks if available.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DRAFT EXPERTS SAY
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "Ascending 4-3 defensive end who should go from good size to imposing frame as he fills out his power-forward body type. He isn't overly twitchy but impressive length, fluidity and short-area athleticism allow him consistent work-arounds against opposing blockers. He's average at the point of attack by NFL standards, but that should change with additional strength work and more efficient hand usage. The rush toolbox is only halfway full, but it's just a matter of time before his spin move and a speed-to-power charge become part of a diversified attack. Gross-Matos should be an early starter, but when the power and skill catch up with the athleticism, look for him to become one of the more productive defenders in the league."
Joe Marino, Draft Network: "Yetur Gross-Matos features a loaded toolbox of traits and enters the league after compiling 94 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks across his last two seasons at Penn State. While he is still developing his processing skills, Gross-Matos has every quality needed to become a dynamic pass rusher and run defender at the next level. His blend of burst, length, size, power and fluidity is impressive and his deployment of his traits leads to disruptive moments on tape. Gross-Matos may not be an immediate impact guy, but he should develop steadily across Year One while his Year Two/Three ceiling is exciting. Gross-Matos is best suited for duties as a 4-3 defensive end but I can see the advantage of getting him in some standup opportunities to alleviate some of his ID’ing inconsistency with his hand in the dirt."
WHAT PFF SAYS
85th in pressure rate last season
35 run stops last two seasons
82.9 run-stop grade (above average)
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
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