3rd Round Draft Analysis - Scott Crichton and Jerrick McKinnon

The Vikings traded their second round pick-and fourth-to move up to the end of the 1st round. They grabbed Teddy Bridgewater with that pick, so I am extremely happy. But they still had two 3rd round picks. I'm not going to convey my opinions on these picks (I'll do that later); I am simply going to take a closer look at the prospects. 

Scott Crichton, DE Oregon State:

from: cbssports.com

A third round pick always has a chance of starting. However, the Vikings are set with their starters at defensive end in Brian Robison and Everson Griffin. They also picked up Corey Wootten in free agency, who should provide good rotational minutes. After that, though, we don't have much. Scott Crichton will fill a backup role immediately and should do a good job. 

from: bleacherreport.com

As you can see from the chart, he's no Jadeveon Clowney. But he's not expected to be. Crichton's weakest skill (other than flexibility) is his pass rushing ability. He stands too tall, and other than his initial burst, he doesn't have great speed. He also doesn't turn the corner when rushing the passer well, struggling to get the bend necessary to beat the tackle around the outside. He's much better when lined up directly on the tackle, allowing him to power through blocks.

The other major negative of Crichton's game is his lack of athleticism. Keep in mind this is coming from the experts. Every single person in the draft and free agency is twice the athlete I'll ever be. Crichton has good size at 6'3" and 273 lbs, but he won't wow anyone with speed, his pass rushing moves, or really anything at all that you'd see from the best athletes.

from: bleacherreport.com

That being said, Crichton is great in run support. The chart from Bleacher Report gave him a rating of 8. This portion of his game will actually come in handy. From what I've read, Mike Zimmer wants his ends to be able to play the run first and pass second. Besides, the combination of our two current ends, Shariff Floyd, and 1st round addition Anthony Barr will give us plenty of pass rushing ability. Crichton has a great first hit that has stunned tackles in the past, giving him enough time to dissect the play accurately and be in great position to make a play on the ball. Even though he only did 24 reps of 225 lbs at the combine, Crichton is strong for his position as a 4-3 defensive end. He'll need a lot of work if he is ever going to assume a starting role, but at least for the next couple years he should be a very valuable backup.

Jerrick McKinnon, RB Georgia Southern:

from: atlantafalcons.blog.ajc.com

What exactly are we getting from a player who started as a corner, was converted to a quarterback in a triple option system, and finally played the position he was drafted for in his senior year? I typically like to start with the negatives, but I think one of the positives needs to come first. McKinnon did 32 reps of 225 lbs. 32! That's 8 more than Scott Crichton did. Only 10 other players at the combine put up more reps, and other than one tight end, they were all offensive and defensive lineman. He actually tied with Ra'Shede Hageman. Yeah, you know him. The defensive tackle that was just glowing with strength. A 5'9" 209 pound running back put up as much as him. That's nuts.

Let's go to the chart again.

from: bleacherreport.com

As you can see right away, there are plenty of areas McKinnon could improve in. To start with, let's look at McKinnon's ability to break tackles. By look at it, I mean he isn't going to do it often. Even with the 32 reps, he runs too tall to break many tackles. I think Maurice Jones-Drew when I see his size, but Jones-Drew could bust through tackles if the defender only got an arm on him. McKinnon isn't going to that. Not right from the start. 

The two other aspects of McKinnon's game that are lacking are his receiving ability and his pass blocking. But not because he struggles with these. McKinnon was rarely asked to catch passes out of the backfield or stay back and block. Georgia Southern ran a very run heavy offense (they ran a triple option). I have to think he'll be fine in pass coverage when he gets the practice. Combined with his strength, he should be set there. The same with his receiving ability. He was never asked to catch the ball much. Give him some time in Norv Tuner's system and his rating may turn out to be much better.

from: bleacherreport.com

He had a very good combine which displayed how athletic he is. Not only did he bench a lot, but he ran a 4.41 forty yard dash. His agility drills were great as well, leading me to wonder if he may be a bit shiftier than most experts predict. With all that speed, some backs rely solely on their speed and pick a hole as soon as they get the ball. Decent defenses will usually gobble them up quickly. McKinnon lets his blocks develop before exploding through the hold with that great speed. He also has tremendous acceleration, so when that block develops or that hole finally opens up, it takes him no time at all to burst into the opening.

Everybody always talks about intangibles with prospects. Awareness is one of those, but McKinnon has little actual experience at the position the Vikings will be playing him at. However, he has a great work ethic. Not only does he work hard in practice and off the field, he displays a lot of effort in everything he does. The skills are there; now he just needs the time with our coaching staff, and a little help from AP, and things could go very well for him.