Talented Pass Rusher Set to Visit the Vikings Ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings have been visiting with a number of top prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, and this week, it was reported that another top-30 visit will go to a talented pass rusher out of Georgia Tech, Keion White, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
White began his collegiate career at Old Dominion, and in 2019, he posted 62 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Following sitting out of the 2020 season, White transferred to Georgia Tech for 2021, but an injury delayed his season once again, holding him to just four games that year. In those four games, he recorded 4 tackles, including 0.5 tackle for loss.
However, 2022 saw White come back to his 2019 form. With the Yellow Jackets last season, he put together another strong campaign, arguably his best season considering he was playing in the ACC, recording 54 tackles, 14 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and a pass defended.
White now enters the NFL Draft as a borderline first-round talent due to his combination of athleticism and strength along the defensive line. At the combine back in early March, he measured in at 6’5 and 285 pounds. While he didn’t run the 40-yard dash there, he did put up an impressive 34″ vertical jump and leapt 9′ 9″ in the broad jump while putting up 30 reps on the bench press.
At his pro day, White did run the 40, blazing a time that was reported anywhere from 4.65-4.75, unofficially. In his scouting report of White, here is what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about the defensive end:
Athletic big man offering scheme versatility and projectable upside. White has good short-area quickness as well as speed in space. He lacks consistent early phase technique to control the rep, but his recovery talent, hustle and athletic traits put him in position to get in on the action. His pass rush is predictable and lacks focus, but he’s bendy and could take a big leap forward in this department provided the coaching catches up with the physical gifts. He’s still in the developmental phase, but his physical/athletic profile gives him a chance to become a plus starter as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end.
White’s versatility to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 should be intriguing to the Vikings, particularly with some uncertainty revolving around the future of Za’Darius Smith and the loss of Dalvin Tomlinson. The argument can be made for Minnesota needing depth for pass rushers both at EDGE and the interior defensive line.
According to Moro’s report of White’s visit with Minnesota, the Georgia Tech defensive line will also meet with the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants, so the Vikings will have plenty of competition for the promising young defensive lineman.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.