Rookie Lineman Clemmings Looking To Play Right Away For Vikings
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Among the rookies that the Minnesota Vikings could play right away is offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings.
He was diagnosed with a foot injury he did not know he had prior to the NFL Draft. But as Mike Max reports, that's part of the reason the Vikings think they got a steal.
What coach Mike Zimmer is looking for in his rookie class are guys that stand out, potential difference makers.
"You know I love athletes. Because I have confidence that I can kind of get these guys to play and play better and improve," Zimmer said.
Where they want to improve is protecting their prize quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater. Which means they want their fourth round pick to be an upgrade to the offesnive line.
"I'm sure it will take a couple weeks just to learn the techniques coach (Jeff) Davidson wants me to do and also just getting the whole playbook down," Clemmings said.
Clemmings was diagnosed with a foot injury he did not know he had, and that's why the Vikings believe he fell in the NFL Draft.
"But he's another young, developing offensive lineman that has an awful lot of good skills," Zimmer said. "I think he would tell you the same thing, that he didn't even know he was hurt."
Right now, he just wants to fit in on a team and prove he's worthy.
"I'm going to compete for a job. I felt if I came to the Vikings, I would truly be able to learn and grow as a player. That's why I say I feel like I'm at the right place."
If they found a sleeper in the draft, that would be huge for this team. If they found someone who can play at a high level right away, that would be huge for this team because the offensive line was inconsistent last year. And if they move up another level this year, that would be huge.