Meet Your Newest Minnesota Viking: Scott Crichton

So the Vikings are going to have a pretty formidable pass rush this year.

With many fans expecting the team to go after a corner with the 72nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Vikings got another talented pass rusher in Oregon State defensive end Scott Crichton. It was definitely a "value" pick--Crichton had a second round grade on most draft boards and was widely considered one of the best five or six edge rushers available in the draft. Mere moments after being chosen by the Vikings, Crichton jumped on a conference call to talk with Twin Cities beat writers.

Crichton was definitely excited to get the call from Minnesota. "It's unbelievable right now...I'm truly blessed." (He then went on to thank the Vikings staff, but accidentally called Mike Zimmer "Zimmerman". Don't worry rookie, we'll work on that.) He joins fellow Pac-12 pass rusher Anthony Barr as new members of the Vikings. "The Pac-12 is so underrated, especially on defense," Crichton claimed. "Me and Anthony are going to try and create havoc."

Part of Crichton's decision to leave school early and enter the draft was to support his family. His father Lucky lost a leg due to health problems and his mom works two jobs. Celebrating getting drafted with his family was important to him. "My mom and dad are crying, I'm even a little teary eyed myself. Full of emotion, a lot of joy, because this is a big step for me. I can't wait to be in Minnesota." His family was going to support his decision whether or not he decided to leave early.

Crichton played a little linebacker his freshman year at Oregon State, but make no mistake about it--he'll be on the field to get after the quarterback. The Beavers ran a 4-3 defense and Crichton's bread and butter was his pass rush. "That's my thing. I love to get after the quarterback." He played on both sides of the line with the Beavers along with some plays. Like most draft pundits Crichton expected to be drafted in the third round but nonchalantly claimed that the "third round's fine". "I'm just grateful for this opportunity. I'm ready to show what I can do and prove people wrong for not picking me earlier."

He did meet with the Vikings in a formal meeting at the NFL Combine but that was the only contact he had with the team before getting drafted.

The pass rush specialist wants to continue to grow and improve in all areas of his game. "There are things that can be better...gotta get my hips straight on the pass rush, get my hands right, just every aspect of my game."

Want to see more of Crichton? Check out this highlight video. His technique isn't outstanding but the guy can just run straight through blockers. NFC North quarterbacks should start getting nervous.