Linebacker wasn’t a huge need for the Vikings heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, but they added a player who could be a future starter in Cameron Smith.
The USC product led the Trojans with 81 tackles last season. This was an added pick for a team that didn’t have a fifth-round pick heading into the draft after trading for quarterback Trevor Siemian last season.
After making a bunch of moves on Friday night, the Vikings were able to get that pick back.
Smith plays inside linebacker, adding depth behind Eric Kendricks and Ben Gedeon.
Smith battled an ACL injury early in his career, but appears healthy heading into his NFL career.
“I think my freshman year with my ACL is something I never had to deal with in my life but it’s something that I feel happens for a reason and I feel like I run stronger and worked on muscles you just don’t always work on unless you’re rehabbing for something,” Smith said on a conference call on Saturday. “Again, I looked at it like it was supposed to be and just have to overcome that adversity and move on. My last two years I played my best football and the best is yet to come to be honest with you.”
