Minnesota Vikings Day Three Recap

Round 6 Pick 177: Walter Rouse OT Oklahoma

Walter Rouse, a biochemical engineering major at Stanford, transferred to Oklahoma for his final year of eligibility. He started all but one game in his collegiate career racking up 52 starts over five years. While he tested well at his pro day, his agility scores were below average, meaning he’ll probably stay as a tackle and will be coached as the future backup swing tackle behind the two pro bowlers on the Vikings roster. His vertical and broad jumps were both elite, which displays great explosion and power off the line of scrimmage. Rouse will compete with veteran David Quessenberry along with other undrafted free agents for a backup tackle spot.

Round 6 Pick 203: Will Reichard K Alabama

If you’re curious about who has scored the most points in NCAA history, look no further. Scoring 547 points in four years at Alabama, Will Reichard is the highest scorer of all time. Reichard was the first kicker taken and a run on other kickers followed. It’s tough to look at kickers for the Vikings without the PTSD that follows them at this position, but ignoring that, Reichard is viewed by many as the best kicker in this draft. Reichard will compete with John Parker Romo, who played in the XFL for the 2023 season.

Round 7 Pick 230: Michael Jurgens IOL Wake Forest

Michael Jurgens (99% sure no relation to Cam Jurgens, a lineman for the Eagles) played guard and center for the Demon Deacons. He started 34 games in his collegiate career and earned All-ACC second-team honors at guard. His weight and bench press testing were both below average at guard, but he makes up for it with his vertical and broad jumps, along with an outstanding 3-cone. Jurgens will compete with Tyrese Robinson, who was on the practice squad for the Vikings last year, along with other undrafted free agents, for a backup interior-offensive line spot. His guard and center flexibility give him an edge over others who can’t play both.

Round 7 Pick 232: Levi Drake Rodriguez IDL Texas A&M University-Commerce

The first Texas A&M University-Commerce player drafted since 2000, and the fourth player from the school drafted by the Vikings (Autry Beamon, Wade Wilson, and Antonio Wilson) Rodriguez played his last two years at A&M Commerce, earning First Team All-SLC honors with 7.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, and was the MVP of the Tropical Bowl. Rodriguez tested as an average athlete at his pro day, but Kwesi Adofo-Mensah raved about his mindset and positive attitude in his post-draft press conference. In a baron interior-defensive live room, Rodriguez will compete with Jaquelin Roy and Jerry Tillery, along with other undrafted free agents for a rotational spot at defensive tackle.