Former All-SEC Pass Rusher Visits with the Vikings
Josh Frey
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The 2024 NFL Draft is officially one week away.
While much of the attention and coverage for the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft has revolved around the quarterback position, it is far from the only need on the roster. While the Vikings will likely move Nos. 11 and 23 in pursuit of a QB, they hold seven other selections during the third day.
One of those selections could be used to select an All-SEC pass rusher, Trajan Jeffcoat, who visited the Vikings this week.
All-SEC Pass Rusher Visits with the Vikings
Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reported the news, “Arkansas @RazorbackFB All @SEC edge Trajan Jeffcoat (6-4, 266, 4.69 speed, 10-0 broad jump, 21 reps, 8 1/2 tackles for losses, four sacks, 29 pressures, 18 hurries last season), visits #Cardinals #Saints #Jets #Bengals #Vikings per sources #Dolphins Missouri @MizzouFootball transfer recorded 15 1/2 career sacks.”
Jeffcoat began his collegiate career at Missouri where he committed as a three-star recruit in 2018. Arguably, his best season in the program came during the 2020 season when he put together 23 tackles and six sacks. As a result of his pass rushing skills, he was named a first-team All-SEC player.
Unfortunately, Jeffcoat never quite got back to that status for the remainder of his collegiate career. He put together another solid season in 2021 with 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks but took a noticeable step back in 2022.
Following that 2022 season, Jeffcoat decided to transfer to Arkansas for his final collegiate season. With the Razorbacks, he appeared in 12 games and put up 16 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks.
Here is how Lance Zierlein of NFL.com described Jeffcoat as a prospect:
“Can play the edge as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. Jeffcoat has the size and length to set NFL edges, but lacks the shed quickness and instincts to rack up solo tackles. He plays with a solid motor from the first snap to the last and effort won’t be a problem with him. He’s fairly explosive off the snap but he’s rarely able to bend and elude the tackle’s punch. He tries to win the rush with power too frequently as a rusher. Jeffcoat needs to focus on polishing his hand usage and counters that flash from time to time. He possesses decent traits but has a limited ceiling.”
The Vikings certainly could look to add some extra help at the outside linebacker spot next weekend. They brought in a few intriguing free agents, including Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. However, they lost the vast majority of their sack production from 2023 as Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum opted to head elsewhere.
Jeffcoat could be an option to keep an eye on during the third day of the NFL Draft. The pass rusher will turn 25 years old in October.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Sports Reference CFB.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. 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.