The Draft Expert Opinion on Esezi Otomewo & Ty Chandler, Minnesota’s Latest Draft Picks
K. Joudry
|
The Vikings had two fifth-round picks, and they used them to choose a defensive lineman from Minnesota and then a running back from North Carolina. At 165, Minnesota opted for Esezi Otomewo. The 169th pick was then used on RB Ty Chandler.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic has some information on Otomewo:
When he uses proper leverage and timing, Otomewo can stack and shed blocks to make tackles in his gap. However, offenses are not afraid to run at him because his hands, leverage points and recognition skills are wild, giving the advantage to blockers. Overall, Otomewo has disjointed rush moves and must maximize his power with more consistent biomechanics, but he is a toolsy five-technique prospect who has yet to reach his football ceiling.
Given his size – 6’5, 282 – he may be tasked with having his hand in the dirt rather than operate out of a two-point stance like Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith. Since there is some great talent along the Vikings’ defensive front, Otomewo will have the benefit of being able to slowly learn how to play in the NFL.
A few minutes later, the Vikings opted for Chandler at 169th. Again, Brugler offers an analysis:
Despite inconsistent vision and play strength, Chandler attacks holes with burst and tempo and then hits another gear to weave through the defense. He is experienced running routes and producing as a pass catcher, and his blocking should continue to get better. Overall, Chandler isn’t the most creative runner between the tackles, but he is a multi-dimensional back with above-average speed and solid contact balance. His versatility will be valued by NFL teams who ask a lot of their backs.
Being able to contribute on third downs, of course, is important in today’s NFL. Nevertheless, the purple depth at RB means Chandler may need to be a special teams star to stick around the roster.
Minnesota has three more selections before the end of the draft: 184, 191, and 227.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”1003096″ player=”26281″ title=”WATCH%20Bill%20Belichick%20explains%20New%20England%20Patriots%20Strange%201st%20round%20pick” duration=”169″ description=”While much of the NFL — including Rams head coach Sean McVay — were stunned by the New England Patriots’ decision to take UT-Chattanooga guard Cole Strange with their first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, it looks like it was all a part of the plan for head coach Bill Belichick.” uploaddate=”2022-04-29″ thumbnailurl=”undefined” contentUrl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/streaming/1003003/1003003.m3u8″ width=”16″ height=”9″]