The Minnesota Vikings hit big on two major free-agent additions to the pass rush last season in Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. The franchise also selected edge rusher Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins out of Georgia in the fifth round of the NFL draft on Saturday, April 26.
Minnesota took another swing post-draft on Tyler Batty of BYU, who NFL.com ranked as the No. 1 undrafted free agent edge rusher available. Batty is 6-feet, 6-inches tall and weighs 271 pounds. He also posted a 4.78-second 40-yard dash time and a 34-inch vertical at the NFL combine, while hitting 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Former Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders attempts a pass as former BYU Cougars DE Tyler Batty pursues.
© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projected Batty as a sixth- or seventh-round prospect, but noted some significant deficiencies in the defensive end's game as part of his scouting report.
"He’s densely muscled and plays with consistent aggression at the point. He hustles in pursuit, too," Zierlein wrote. "He has some snap in his initial punch but lacks the length and twitch quickness to get away from blocks quickly and will succumb to power from tackles. He creates pressure with hops and euro-steps to gain ground. He has strong hands to discard the punch but won’t beat most pro tackles with speed or power. He’s an older rookie and an effort player, but it’s not clear if he’ll have the physical gifts or skill level to become a 'make it' prospect."
Batty will compete with the likes of 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner, Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy for a spot on the Vikings' regular season roster in 2025.
