EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings inked deals with two more 2018 draft picks on Saturday as defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes and tight end Tyler Conklin each signed with Minnesota.
Holmes, a fourth-round pick out of Ohio State, was selected as an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention during his junior and senior seasons for the Buckeyes.
Holmes played in a handful of big games during his time at Ohio State. He played in a pair of Big Ten Championships (2014, 2017) and also appeared in five bowl games in four seasons. He helped the Buckeyes go 4-1 in bowl games, including the 2014 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Holmes played in 49 career games for Ohio State, racking up 84 total tackles (40 solo) with 5.0 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
He talked to the Twin Cities media Friday about the **elation of being drafted** and going up against Vikings center Pat Elflein during practice at Ohio State.
Conklin was a fifth-round pick by Minnesota after the Vikings traded up to get the former Central Michigan standout.
As a senior in 2017, Conklin played in eight games – and started five – after missing the first five with an injury. The team captain was named Third-Team All-MAC after recording 35 catches for 504 yards and five touchdowns.
Conklin received an invite to the 2018 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, where he caught a 16-yard touchdown pass.
Conklin was one of the **early standouts** in Friday's rookie minicamp practice.
Seven of the eight Vikings draft picks from the 2018 NFL Draft are now under contract.
