quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Mata'afa can not be on the field for running plays.

The #Vikings did one goal line situational period and Dalvin Cook effortlessly ran into the end zone. Kline had a great block against Mata'afa to open a lane. (Vikings Corner on Twitter)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Mata'afa can not be on the field for running plays.

The #Vikings did one goal line situational period and Dalvin Cook effortlessly ran into the end zone. Kline had a great block against Mata'afa to open a lane. (Vikings Corner on Twitter)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I disagree. He's going to be pushed around with a power running attack.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I disagree. He's going to be pushed around with a power running attack.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I disagree. He's going to be pushed around with a power running attack.

Hercules will have Tom Johnson's role. Designated pass rusher.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I am an advocate for more rotations along the defensive line. I see Mata'afa as a pass rushing specialist. If the scouts saw him as a 3 down lineman he would have been drafted. That's what I believe, but the Packers drafted perhaps a similar player in the first round. We will see how they get used. If I'm wrong, I will admit it and be happy for Mata'afa and the Vikings.

Edit: When I read and compare Rashan Gary with Hercules Mata'afa, at least when I look at their combine profiles, I see Gary as bigger and faster. His standing broad jump was a full foot farther than Mata'afa despite being 2" taller and nearly 20 lbs heavier. That's why one was a first rounder and the other a ufa. Still, let's see who is a better Pro.

Tom Johnson was 6'3" and 288 lbs. He was a closer to being the standard size for a 3 tech. Still, I think the Vikings used him more as a pass rusher too.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I probably am remiss for not mentioning that Aaron Donald had 20.5 sacks last year and so obviously if he might be a bit deficient in defending the run that can be overlooked. It may not even be fair to compare Mata'afa with Donald. He might be the best defensive player in the NFL.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Interesting that you bring him up. I read this about Aaron Donald when he was coming out of college.

WEAKNESSES Marginal height and frame is nearly maxed out. Hands are more active than strong -- could play with more pop and power. Overpowered in the run game and ground up by double teams. Gets snared and controlled by bigger, longer blockers. Not a two-gap player. Has some tweener traits -- lacks ideal length and bend to play outside.

Donald is even shorter than Mata'afa (6'1") but plays at 280 lbs. That's pretty close to where Mata'afa has moved up to. Again, Donald also had better speed and jumping scores in the combine even though he was much heavier at the time. Everyone likes the players who are fast for their size like Anthony Barr. Mata'afa seems to have the short area quickness though. I bet he's elite in the 10 yard dash. I was saying the same for Alexander Mattison too.

I checked the numbers for Aaron Donald and he did not make many tackles outside of his sacks. (close to one tackle per game) Of course, sacks don't say everything about a player because the offensive blocking scheme has to game plan for him and I'm sure he forced some early or rushed passes. Nevertheless, Donald is not really great at tackling running backs. Linebackers make most of the tackles on running backs, so in fairness, you can't judge a DT by that one number. I know in college Mata'afa did make tackles behind the line of scrimmage a lot and sometimes it was a running back.

I'm sure there will be a lot of talk about Mata'afa in the next few weeks. If he becomes a player who plays on any down I will be happy to eat crow, but I will have to stand in line behind all of those NFL scouts who must have come to the same conclusion.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I probably am remiss for not mentioning that Aaron Donald had 20.5 sacks last year and so obviously if he might be a bit deficient in defending the run that can be overlooked. It may not even be fair to compare Mata'afa with Donald. He might be the best defensive player in the NFL.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I probably am remiss for not mentioning that Aaron Donald had 20.5 sacks last year and so obviously if he might be a bit deficient in defending the run that can be overlooked. It may not even be fair to compare Mata'afa with Donald. He might be the best defensive player in the NFL.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I bet we are all interested in this. I heard that Davis had a couple of drops, too.

Bisi Johnson, Stefon Diggs and Davion Davis all consistently won their battles in the 1-on-1 session

(Sean Norman on Twitter)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Practice No. 4 just ended. A few players who stood out: Duke Thomas, Ade Aruna, Dakota Dozier, Danny Isidora and Reshard Cliett. Stay tuned for my notebook. #Vikings (Daniel House)