Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Khyree Jackson
- Rutgers
- Height-5110
- Weight-193 lbs
- Fourth-year Senior
- 3-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 111 tackles, 81 solo, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, 16 passes defended, 8 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 4 fumble recoveries, 1 touchdown
- Games watched: Michigan 2023, Ohio State 2023, Maryland 2023, Virginia Tech 2023
Strengths
Melton is an interesting player. Throughout his tape, he shows everything you want in a cornerback. However, those traits aren’t consistent at this point.
Closing speed is really solid. When he recognizes something in front of him, Melton closes on it aggressively.
Melton also plays with a physical presence. He is unafraid to come up and be physical in the running game and will lay a shoulder into you when in the open field.
In the running game, Melton both crashes hard and plays his responsibilities well. He can fit the run and set the edge to force the running back to where the defense wants him to go.
Weaknesses
Struggles with his footwork. Doesn’t transition well in space and gets sloppy in hin movements. A lot of this stems from his aggressiveness.
Size is a concern. He looks slight on film and can get bullied by bigger receivers and in the run game.
Tracking the ball hasn’t been a strength for Melton. He struggles to turn around and find the football. Only had 16 pass breakups in his career but he did have eight interceptions, so he found a way to make the most out of it.
Overview
| Man | 7.7/10 |
| Zone | 7.9/10 |
| Hips/Fluidity | 6.9/10 |
| Recognition | 11.4/15 |
| Quickness | 7.8/10 |
| Run Support | 8.1/10 |
| Speed | 8.0/10 |
| Recovery | 7.7/10 |
| Tackling | 4.0/5 |
| Ball Skills | 7.7/10 |
| Grade | 77.2/100 Third Round |
Melton is a good football player with the mentality to paly the position successfully for a decade. If he can get his footwork straightened out and gain 5-10 lbs, he could be an inside out cornerback. If he doesn’t put on some muscle, he will likely be a slot corner in the NFL.
