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Scott Crichton was taken with the 72nd overall pick, the eighth pick in the third round, by the Minnesota Vikings on day two of the 2014 NFL Draft. Crichton was one of two former Oregon State players taken in this years draft.
The Vikings took UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr with the 9th pick overall and later traded up to grab Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with the final pick of the first round. Former Beaver tackle Mike Remmers is also on the Vikings active roster.
Crichton was an outstanding and dominating force on the defensive line in his three years in Corvallis. In his first season as a Beaver, number 95 earned Freshman All-American honors, racking up 74 tackles, 6 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. It didn’t take long for Crichton to become the focal point of Oregon State’s defense.
Crichton’s production dipped slightly in the face of recurring double and triple team blocking schemes. The Tacoma, Wash. product finished his career with 165 tackles, 22.5 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles.
Minnesota already has two solid defensive ends in Everson Griffin and Brian Robertson who aren’t likely to cede major playing time to any incoming rookies. Crichton is much more likely to see snaps from the defensive tackle position, mixing in with Sharrif Floyd, Linval Joseph, and Chase Baker.
The Vikings ranked 31st against the pass and 16th against the run in 2013. With ample room for improvement under new head coach Mike Zimmer, Crichton will be a great fit using his strength and athleticism to help stymie the run while also helping to create a more even pass rush from the outside and the middle of the line.
Crichton will see his fair share of snaps in 2014, but just like former Beaver and current Chicago Bear defensive lineman Stephen Paea, it may take 2-3 years before he finds his groove within the organization. Still, with plenty of size, speed, and ability, Crichton definitely has the potential to make waves in 2014. For the new Minnesota Viking, this year will be about learning from the guys above him on the depth chart and making the most of every snap.