The Vikings drafted two players who took part in last year's Senior Bowl in Kentrell Brothers and Willie Beavers and they're on the lookout for more this week in Mobile, Ala.
The top annual college all-star game is underway with a week of practices culminating in Saturday's Senior Bowl game. We'll pinpoint five players Vikings fans should keep an eye on, which should have included the cousin of running back Matt Asiata.
However, Isaac Asiata, the 6-foot-3, 325-pound guard out of Utah, reportedly tweaked his hamstring Tuesday during the first day of practices.
"He's doing good right now," Matt Asiata said of Isaac before the Senior Bowl. "Hopefully he can translate [college success] to the NFL. It's a big difference, but I'm pretty sure he's got the mindset and talent to do it."
Matt Asiata is a pending free agent this spring after contributing in the Vikings' backfield for five seasons. He's still living his NFL dream in spite of going undrafted in 2011 and, at one point, spending some time in the now-defunct UFL. The older cousin says he's shared some encouraging words via text as Isaac prepares for the NFL Draft.
"Just be himself," Matt Asiata said. "Just don't try to, I don't know, don't go out of your element to do something. I think he knows what he's doing. He's got his wife to keep him straight — that'll be good."
The Vikings have a couple family connections as the brother of long snapper Kevin McDermott, UCLA tackle Conor McDermott, is also competing this week at the Senior Bowl. Below are five other players to watch.
OT/OG Taylor Moton, Western Michigan: The Vikings could use upgrades at three offensive line spots. A versatile lineman, Moton started at both right guard and right tackle during his five years at Western Michigan. Drew solid reviews Tuesday from his first Senior Bowl practice at tackle. Measured in at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, giving him the size to get a look at either guard or tackle in the NFL.
