Rookie mini-camps are underway around the NFL, as the teams get their first look at their draft picks in an NFL uniform. The Minnesota Vikings won the NFC North last season and made the playoffs, and they'll be counting on a few rookies to play notable roles in their attempt to make it back. But what kind of impact will the Panthers' 2016 draft class have?
The short-term impact is based on what the rookies will do early in their careers. For the early round picks, that refers to their first year or two at most. For some of the later picks, that might mean the entirety of their first contract. The long-term impact is what the Panthers are hoping these players become, if they are actually able to make a long-term impact. Remember, plenty of draft picks simply don't last long in the NFL.
With all that out of the way, here's the impact each Vikings draft pick could have.
WR Laquon Treadwell - Starter
Minnesota needed a top end receiver, and Treadwell is the kind of prospect that can be a true No. 1 guy. Though he doesn't have elite speed, Treadwell always finds a way to get open thanks to his route-running ability. He also has extremely strong hands and virtually never loses a jump ball.
CB Mackensie Alexander - Starter/Impact rotation player
Alexander is an extremely physical cornerback who thrives in bump-and-run, man-to-man coverage. He's also extremely agile, while makes him a perfect fit as this team's nickel corner. Expect him to see a lot of time in that role, and if he proves himself in camp, he could take over the starting outside role from Terence Newman.
OG Willie Beavers - Rotation player
Beavers will enter the season as a backup guard, but he's athletic and agile enough to play tackle if Minnesota needs him to. He'll see the field in a backup role as he continues to add strength and develop.
LB Kentrell Brothers - Backup
Brothers was brought in to add depth and likely won't see the field. He's relatively small at 6'0" and doesn't have great speed, but he has incredible instincts and a nose for the ball, allowing him to rack up 152 tackles for Mizzou last season.
WR Moritz Boehringer - Backup/Practice squad
The German is a physical menace, standing 6'2" while running a 4.43 40-yard dash and posting a 39-inch vertical. He isn't thought to be anything more than a project because of his lack of experience, but the Vikings are exciting about his athleticism and potential.
TE David Morgan - Backup
Morgan was brought on to be a blocking tight end, and he'll see time in the role of a glorified offensive lineman this season - but he needs to cut down on penalties if he wants to see his role expand.
LB Stephen Weatherly - Backup/Practice squad
Weatherly is an athletic pass rusher, shown by his 4.61 40-yard dash time at the combine, and he has the versatility to play both outside linebacker and defensive end. However, that's about all he can do, and he needs to develop a more complete skill set before he sees more time on the field.
S Jayron Kearse - Backup
This pick was all about potential. Minnesota needed depth at the safety position, and Kearse is a hard-hitter with tremendous size at 6'4". He still needs time to totally learn the game mentally and get used to Minnesota schemes, but he could become a solid contributor. His impact will mostly be felt on special teams this year.
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