Christian

Ballard

Ballard, who just turned 23, flashed rare versatility and some run-defending prowess in a part-time role as a rookie. “He’s going to be a heck of a player and continue to make a jump,” Spielman said. Ballard can play four positions on the line. He projects as the Vikings’ No. 3 defensive tackle behind Kevin Williams and Letroy Guion. Ballard could even push Guion to start.

Ayodele had started eight games this season, but had just three tackles during that span. On Monday, rookie Christian Ballard got the nod. Ayodele signed a three-year, $9 million contract with the Vikings back in July.

Barring injuries ahead of him on the depth chart, 2011 fourth-rounder Ballard may be on the outside looking in after what beat writer Tom Pelissero describes as a “pedestrian” first two seasons in the league. Ballard is a ‘tweener tackle/end and has managed one sack amongst 29 tackles through 32 appearances.

Ballard exited camp citing “personal reasons.” A 2011 fourth-round pick, Ballard has been a disappointment through two seasons and is on the bubble. No matter the cause, missing camp will hurt Ballard’s chances of making the 53.

A fourth-round pick in the 2011 draft, Ballard is coincidentally representing the players association in a grievance concerning roughly $240,000 in 2013 base salary he collected, but the Vikings are trying to recoup. Ballard essentially quit the team last September. His career appears to be over at age 25.

He’s bigger than former college teammate Adrian Clayborn, and noticeably faster in a straight line. Ballard’s senior-year production (5 TFL, 3 sacks) left plenty to be desired, but a 3-4 team could fall in love with him late in the first or early in the second round. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 290 pounds, he possesses an ideal build to play the “five technique” position.

These times are from NFL.com’s Gil Brandt; SI.com’s Tony Pauline had Ballard as fast as 4.68. A beast in workouts, Ballard also jumped 34 inches vertically at 6'5/286 and had a 9-foot-, 7-inch broad jump. Ballard will be a possibility late in the first round for 3-4 teams like the Ravens, Jets, and Packers.

University of Iowa teammates Christian Ballard and Adrian Clayborn could both be possibilities, as could somebody like Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan if he falls. It’s not a given they will take a defensive lineman, however, as a pass-rushing linebacker like UCLA’s Akeem Ayers would also be a fit if he fell to No. 30.

Spielman hopes to “eventually work him outside” because Ballard moves well enough to be an early-down, run-stopping end, but for now the plan is for the former Iowa Hawkeye to learn the under and three-technique tackle spots. Ballard will be fighting for snaps with Letroy Guion, Jimmy Kennedy, and Tremaine Johnson.

Explosive athletically, one of Ballard’s main selling points is his versatility, and he should see time at both defensive tackle and defensive end for the Vikings. However, while he has the physical skills to be a successful NFL player, there are questions about his motor and desire. If the Vikings can’t light a fire in him, his career could be a short one.