Vikings take defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman from Pitt in sixth round

May 1, 2021 at 8:55PM
FILE - This Aug. 31, 2019, file photo shows Pittsburgh defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman (97) as he takes the field with his team to play an NCAA football game against Virginia in Pittsburgh. Twyman cried while watching Pitt football go on without him after the defensive lineman opted out of the 2020 season. It was a decision Twyman felt necessary — both financially and emotionally — to prepare him for the 2021 NFL draft. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
Jaylen Twyman (97) sat out the 2020 college football season. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Vikings used their 11th and final pick of the 2021 NFL draft on the first defensive tackle to lead the University of Pittsburgh in sacks since three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald back in 2013.

A sixth-rounder picked 199th overall in the sixth round, Jaylen Twyman had 10 ½ sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2019. He took the COVID-19 opt-out in 2020.

The 6-2, 301-pounder is known for having great hands, nimble feet and good quickness. His weaknesses include a smaller frame that could hurt him against the run and in bull-rushing bigger NFL guards.

Twyman will compete for a backup rotational role at the three-technique tackle position behind Dalvin Tomlinson, this year's prized free-agent acquisition.

Twyman was the second Pitt defensive lineman chosen by the Vikings, joining edge rusher Patrick Jones II, who was selected in the third round Friday night. Overall, Spielman bolstered the defensive line with three picks.

The Vikings' draft ends without a seventh-round draft selection. General Manager Rick Spielman selected six offensive players and five defenders.

about the writer

about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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