EAGAN, Minn. — The 2020 NFL Draft could become just the second time for Minnesota to select with the 201st overall pick in franchise history.
One doesn't have to go back very far in history to revisit the last time. It was just 2017 when the Vikings added tight end Bucky Hodges out of Virginia Tech.
Hodges' selection and impressive college tape immediately created positive projections about what he might be able to accomplish — in a Purple No. 84, no less! — but he was released during roster reductions.
Other teams reached out to Hodges, but he is yet to suit up in an NFL game. Carolina added Hodges to its practice squad for a bit in 2017. The New York Jets and Pittsburgh auditioned him in the 2018 offseason before the Steelers put him on their practice squad. He started the 2019 calendar year with Pittsburgh but was released and later rejoined the Jets during the preseason.
What type of player might be within reach this time around when they go on the clock at No. 201 (if Minnesota keeps the pick)?
Vikings.com is taking a look at players drafted at corresponding spots that Minnesota is scheduled to pick from between April 23-25. So far in the series, we've covered picks No. 22, No. 25, No. 58, No. 89, No. 105, No. 132 and No. 155.
In addition to players selected 201st overall since 2015, we're taking a look at the players who were selected a pick before and after No. 201 in each draft. We'll also mention a couple of notable names that landed with other teams.
Stats are from pro-football-reference.com.
2015
200. Quandre Diggs, CB/S, DET – totaled six interceptions and 24 passes defended for the Lions in 65 games (40 starts); traded to the Seahawks in October
201. Bud Sasser, WR, STL – Missouri product entered NFL on heels of a senior season with 1,003 yards and 12 touchdowns but was waived that June because of a heart condition that was discovered during a team physical
202. A.J. Derby, TE, NE – played in four games but didn't have any stats for the Patriots before he was traded to the Broncos; totaled 35 receptions for 384 yards and two touchdowns for Denver from 2016-17; played six games for the Dolphins from 2017-18
2016
200. Kyle Murphy, T, GB – appeared in six games for the Packers, including three starts in 2017; landed on Injured Reserve in Septembers of 2017 and 2018; spent part of 2019 on the Texans practice squad and re-signed with Houston in January
201. Brandon Allen, QB, JAX – after missing Jaguars roster, landed with the Rams; first three starts of career were in 2019 with Denver, including one at Minnesota last November
202. Anthony Zettel, DL, DET – signed with Vikings during 2020 free agency after playing for the 49ers during their run to Super Bowl LIV; also played with Cincinnati in 2019 after playing 15 games for Cleveland in 2018 and 29 games for Detroit in first two seasons
2017
200. Adam Bisnowaty, T, NYG – made one start for the Giants in 2017; has spent various lengths of time with Lions, Panthers, Vikings (2018 practice squad, 2019 offseason), Redskins and Broncos
201. Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech – college numbers (133 receptions, 1,747 yards and 20 touchdowns) impressed multiple suitors, but no one struck gold
202. Pita Taumoepenu, OLB, SF – appeared in six games from 2017-18; now with Seattle after spending part of 2019 with Arizona
2018
200. Foyesade Oluokun, S, ATL – 153 tackles, four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in 32 games (10 starts)
201. Boston Scott, RB, NO – poached from Saints practice squad in 2018 by Eagles; rushed for 245 yards and five scores for Philadelphia in 2019
202. Jack Cichy, ILB, TB – has landed on Injured Reserve in each of past two Octobers; five tackles in 10 games
2019
200. Emeke Egbule, LB, LAC – appeared in 15 games; spent most of rookie season manning special teams (180 snaps)
201. Rashad Fenton, CB, KC – played at least 20 defensive snaps in each of Chiefs three postseason victories; recorded five tackles, a sack and pass defensed against Houston in Divisional round of AFC Playoffs
202. Isaiah Prince, T, MIA – played in four games (two starts) for Dolphins; claimed by Bengals off waivers in December
Others of Interest at 201
2013: Houston Texans — TE Ryan Griffin, Connecticut
Griffin spent his first six seasons with Houston before heading to the New York Jets in 2019. He has had at least 250 receiving yards in four of the past five seasons but really upped his scoring last fall when he recorded five of his 12 career touchdowns.
2003: New England Patriots — QB Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech
The current Head Coach of the Cardinals is known for airing it out, but he only attempted two passes as an NFL player, completing one for 17 yards (with the Jets in 2005).
1994: Atlanta Falcons — RB Jamal Anderson, Utah
Anderson led the NFL with 410 rushes in 1998, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors while totaling 1,846 yards and 14 touchdowns. Big sigh, Vikings fans, Anderson rushed for 67 yards and caught six passes for 33 yards and a score against the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game that season. At least neutral observers thought the "Dirty Bird" looked pretty clean.
1970: St. Louis Cardinals — QB Mike Holmgren, USC
Holmgren spent camp with the Cardinals and Jets during his first season. He turned to coaching in 1971 at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco and worked his way up to his first NFL position with the 49ers in 1986.
Note: Former Viking Bob Berry (1965-67 and 1973-75) was the 201st pick of the 1964 American Football League Draft (Denver Broncos). Berry was tabbed out of Oregon by Philadelphia with the 142nd overall pick of the NFL Draft that year.
