Udoh (6’6/323) was a four-year starting tackle at small-school Elon, earning second-team FCS All-American and first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association in 2018. A truly massive individual from a huge family, Udoh arrived as a freshman weighing 380 pounds and has a 6-foot-8 grandmother. Udoh helped himself with 61st-percentile athleticism at the Combine, also measuring in with vine-like 35 3/8-inch arms and has obvious length to engulf defensive linemen. A right tackle throughout his college career, Udoh is a sleeper to develop into a starter at any of the four front-five positions save center.
And this is why I like these trades. This is another good value pick here. Can’t believe the guy has a 6’8 grandmother
The saddest thing in life is wasted talent and the choices you make will shape your life forever.
-Chazz Palminteri
So I had my eye on him, mostly because he's got the physical traits that can't be taught and likely will greatly improve with NFL coaching and weight training. This is the sort of player you hope is there in the later rounds - really high ceiling who slipped likely because he didn't face top competition in college.
I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Udoh starting for the Vikings within 2 years, and seeing some significant playing time within one.
So I had my eye on him, mostly because he's got the physical traits that can't be taught and likely will greatly improve with NFL coaching and weight training. This is the sort of player you hope is there in the later rounds - really high ceiling who slipped likely because he didn't face top competition in college.
I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Udoh starting for the Vikings within 2 years, and seeing some significant playing time within one.
So I had my eye on him, mostly because he's got the physical traits that can't be taught and likely will greatly improve with NFL coaching and weight training. This is the sort of player you hope is there in the later rounds - really high ceiling who slipped likely because he didn't face top competition in college.
I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Udoh starting for the Vikings within 2 years, and seeing some significant playing time within one.
No. Its wishful thinking
It might be wishful thinking, but if you look at what Udoh brings to the table, I think it's better odds than just "wishful". He didn't play for a big name college program, but he tested really well, and when he did face better competition at the East-West game, he did well. Plus, if you watch his interviews (I think one is posted on Youtube), he's well-spoken and enthusiastic. Seems like a guy who has a better-than-not chance of excelling given the proper tools and opportunity.
I guess we'll see, but I'd like to revisit this at the end of the season provided Udoh makes the active roster, and even better if he gets on the field for some snaps. I'll be keeping an eye on him.
It might be wishful thinking, but if you look at what Udoh brings to the table, I think it's better odds than just "wishful". He didn't play for a big name college program, but he tested really well, and when he did face better competition at the East-West game, he did well. Plus, if you watch his interviews (I think one is posted on Youtube), he's well-spoken and enthusiastic. Seems like a guy who has a better-than-not chance of excelling given the proper tools and opportunity.
I guess we'll see, but I'd like to revisit this at the end of the season provided Udoh makes the active roster, and even better if he gets on the field for some snaps. I'll be keeping an eye on him.
I have no doubt that he could be a contributor. He has the tools.
It might be wishful thinking, but if you look at what Udoh brings to the table, I think it's better odds than just "wishful". He didn't play for a big name college program, but he tested really well, and when he did face better competition at the East-West game, he did well. Plus, if you watch his interviews (I think one is posted on Youtube), he's well-spoken and enthusiastic. Seems like a guy who has a better-than-not chance of excelling given the proper tools and opportunity.
I guess we'll see, but I'd like to revisit this at the end of the season provided Udoh makes the active roster, and even better if he gets on the field for some snaps. I'll be keeping an eye on him.
If nothing else, its the kind of pick that IF it pans out marks a drastic improvement for your team. Let's say he has a 10 percent chance to be on the active roster for a significant portion of his tenure with the vikings, and a 3 percent chance to become a starter. If you get a left tackle out of a pick like this, the contribution to your overall team far exceeds his just being 1 out of 30 'starters'. Yes, its a long shot, but yes, he has the physical tools. A good gamble if you ask me.
Imagine having a guy on the roster that is able to step in and start at LT in 2 years when Reiff's contract is expendable. That would be HUGE. Its not likely, but its worth the risk, because the risk is minimal. Now extend that out over 5 years and 50 players. It doesn't take many hits to play off.