Overlooked Vikings Rookie Gets Hype from Bleacher Report
K. Joudry
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Since the draft ended, most Vikings fans have focused their attention on the ways that Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr. will improve the defense. A recent piece on Bleacher Report, though, suggests that we ought not forget Esezi Otomewo, the fifth-round iDL.
The defensive line looks like it may be among the team’s strengths. That being said, there are some concerns about the depth, or lack thereof. Beyond Dalvin Tomlinson, Harrison Phillips, and Armon Watts, there is some uncertainty.
Bleacher Report offers their rationale for why the rookie may shine in Minnesota:
At 6’5″, 282 pounds, Otomewo is better suited as a 3-4 end and 4-3 under tackle than a base 4-3 end who rushes the passer. He has ready-made NFL strength and keeps blockers off his frame thanks to his length. Otomewo is stiff so he’s not a stand-up edge threat, but the positive is he doesn’t have to compete with Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith for snaps.
Instead he’ll play in relief of Harrison Phillips and Armon Watts. Phillips just came over from Buffalo but has posted limited career production. It’s possible Otomewo can beat out a player with 1.5 sacks in four years, and the best case for the Vikings is they landed a rookie starter in the fifth round.
Indeed, the Vikings drafted Esezi Otomewo to solidify things at 3T/5T, not at EDGE. The rookie will be tasked with getting push on passing downs in Minnesota’s 3-4 scheme. Having Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith demand so much attention will make things easier for the rookie.
Leading up the draft, the analysis was that “Otomewo is a powerful player with heavy hands and a lot of length.” He’ll have the chance to translate these abilities to the NFL behind a strong set of starting DTs. When the starters need rest, Esezi Otomewo will get his shot to show that he’s capable of contributing within a revamped Vikings defense.
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