EAGAN, Minn. – Josh Metellus is swapping his Maize and Blue for Purple and Gold.
The Vikings drafted the Michigan safety with the 205th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Metellus played in 47 games for the Wolverines, making 38 starts. He received First-Team All-Big Ten honors from the Associated Press in 2018.
In 13 starts last season, Metellus recorded 74 tackles, including 4.0 for loss. He also snagged two interceptions and added five passes defensed and a fumble recovery.
Metellus was one of two safeties Minnesota drafted, joining Mississippi State's Brian Cole II, whom the Vikings selected in the seventh round.
Here are five things to know about the Vikings new safety:
1. Versatility is key
Metellus made 37 of his 38 starts at safety, but it's far from the only position he played.
While at Michigan, he lined up at outside linebacker, both safety spots, outside corner and in the slot.
Metellus spoke with Twin Cities media members after being drafted and emphasized the value of being able to move around in a defense.
"At the end of the day, I just want to be able to get on the field," he said. "That's the biggest thing – I'll be able to come in and do whatever the coaches ask."
2. Comfortable in coverages
Metellus has assured media members and teams alike that, although Michigan played almost exclusively man coverage, he is equally comfortable playing zone.
He explained at the NFL Scouting Combine why he believes his experience in the Wolverines defense helped prepare him for the pros.
"I feel like as a safety, if you're able to cover man-to-man, it really helps you," Metellus said during his podium session. "[Michigan Defensive Coordinator Don Brown] put us in a spot to show we can cover man-to-man, so I feel like that'll really transfer to the next level."
He said that some teams seemed surprised at his knowledge of both coverages during his interviews with them.
"Because we didn't run a lot of zone at Michigan … they assume I won't know them," Metellus said. "And I'll tell them, and they'll look at me like, 'I thought you didn't play this?' I didn't, but I played this in high school.
"I just love football, and I know football," he added.
3. Combine top performer
Metellus finished in the top 10 of his position group in a handful of timing-and-testing drills at the combine in February.
He demonstrated his strength in the bench press with 20 reps of 225 pounds, which tied for fourth-most among safeties. In the vertical jump, his performance of 36.5 inches ranked sixth, and he tied for 10th in the broad jump with a mark of 10 feet, 4 inches.
Metellus' time in the 40-yard dash fell just outside the top 10 among safeties; he came in 11th, clocking in at 4.55 seconds.
View the sketch of Vikings draft pick S Josh Metellus who was transformed into a caricature by local artist Erik Roadfeldt.
1 - Sketch
2 - Shape
3 - Flat colors
4 - Line work
5 - Shading and highlights
Final piece
4. One of 10
Metellus was one of 10 Wolverines drafted this year, with eight of those picks occurring on Day 3.
He was the ninth Michigan player off the board, following the Packers selection of guard Jon Runyan, Jr., from the 192nd overall spot.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic wrote the following of Metellus in his breakdown of the Wolverines class:
Metellus looks like a guy who'll play in the NFL, either as a special-teamer or a safety. That's a spot where the Vikings could use some depth, so he'll have a good shot to make the roster as a rookie._Metellus might not have the high-end athletic traits that will earn him a starting role in camp, but if he gets into an NFL game, he might not give the job back, showing the toughness required for downhill work and just enough range on the back end.
View images of Vikings new S Josh Metellus from his days at Michigan.
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) celebrates a play in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, left, runs Ohio State receiver Parris Campbell out-of-bounds during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Michigan defensive backs Josh Metellus (14), Tyree Kinnel (23) and linebacker Khaleke Hudson (7) gang tackle Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson (84) after a catch in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) tackles Florida running back Lamical Perine (22) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus gets set to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus does the bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus does the bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack (11) scores on a 16-yard touchdown reception as Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) defends in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan safety Josh Metellus poses for a headshot during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Alabama tight end Miller Forristall (87) tries to get past Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) after a reception during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) can't hang on to a pass as he is defended by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
North safety Josh Metellus of Michigan (14) during the first half of the Senior Bowl college football game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
South wide receiver Jauan Jennings of Tennessee (15) catches a pass for a touchdown over North safety Jalen Elliott of Notre Dame (21) and North safety Josh Metellus of Michigan (14) during the second half of the Senior Bowl college football game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
North safety Josh Metellus of Michigan (14) during the first half of the Senior Bowl college football game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Michigan linebacker Devin Gil (8), quarterback Shea Patterson (2) and Josh Metellus (14) walk off the field after an NCAA college football game against Army in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Michigan won 24-21 in double-overtime. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) intercepts a pass intended for Iowa wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) as Ambry Thomas (1) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) intercepts a pass from Maryland quarterback Josh Jackson, as Maryland's Sean Savoy tries to bring him down during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (17) catches a 57-yard touchdown pass as Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (17) catches a 57-yard touchdown pass ahead of Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State running back Elijah Collins (24) gets tackled by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, top left, and linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Michigan won 44-10. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, center bottom, is brought down by Maryland offensive lineman Ellis McKennie (68) and wide receiver Sean Savoy (29) after Metellus intercepted a pass from quarterback Josh Jackson during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus plays against Rutgers in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) against Michigan defensive back Sammy Faustin (17) and defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 35-14. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) and Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Michigan defensive back Lavert Hill (24) celebrates his touchdown interception with defensive backs Brandon Watson, left, and Josh Metellus during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. Michigan won 38-13. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) and Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor make a first-down run against Michigan defensive back Brad Hawkins and defensive back Josh Metellus during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus reacts during overtime in an NCAA college football game against Army in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Michigan won 24-21 in double-overtime. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
CORRECTS SCORE TO 35-14- Michigan defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson, left, and defensive back Josh Metellus, right, tackle Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor, center, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 35-14. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) recovers a fumble by Army in the first quarter of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Michigan won 24-21 in double-overtime. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Michigan defensive backs Josh Metellus (14), Tyree Kinnel (23) and linebacker Khaleke Hudson (7) gang-tackle Wisconsin tight end Jake Ferguson (84) after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Middle Tennessee quarterback Chase Cunningham (16) throws a pass, defended by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14), in the third quarter of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Michigan won 40-21. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Army running back Artice Hobbs IV (32) rushes ahead of Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) in the third quarter of an NCAA football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. Michigan won 24-21 in double-overtime. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) returns an interception intended for Wisconsin wide receiver Kendric Pryor (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) runs out of the pocket against Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus (14) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
5. Fellow Floridian
A native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, Metellus is one of seven Vikings on the 2020 roster who grew up in the Sunshine State.
Pembroke Pines is just 24 miles outside of Miami, the hometown of Vikings running back Dalvin Coook and rookie cornerback Nevelle Clarke, whom Minnesota signed as an undrafted free agent.
Metellus also joins fellow Floridians Mike Boone (Macclenny), Rashod Hill (Jacksonville), Jake Bargas (Boca Raton) and Tony Brooks-James (Gainesville).
