Jerome Simpson Gets Another Chance, For Some Reason by Dan Zinski

Vikings coaches and scouts were busy Thursday watching stud defensive prospects show their stuff at a pair of pro days.

While DC George Edwards was in Nebraska meeting with DE Randy Gregory, another Vikings contingent was in Clemson having a gander at LB Stephone Anthony.

Tony Pauline lists the 49ers, Vikings and Eagles as three teams who talked to Anthony. The linebacker had a very good workout according reports:

I’m told linebacker Stephone Anthony had a phenomenal day. He only did position drills but teams were impressed with his overall performance, especially his cover skills. Anthony met with the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers yesterday before having dinner with the Philadelphia Eagles. Anthony has been on a straight shot north up draft boards since September. He stood out during the Senior Bowl, then looked terrific at the Combine and capped it off today at pro day. How high will Anthony be selected? The second round seems like a lock but it now looks as though he’ll be chosen in the early to middle part of the frame. That poses a problem for a team like the Green Bay Packers, who’ve shown a lot of interest in the linebacker.

Scouting reports on the 6-3, 243-pound Anthony note his great burst and anticipation and his ideal inside linebacker build. His lateral movement and coverage are considered weaknesses at this point.

Clemson’s pro day also provided a showcase for several other defensive players including edge defender Vic Beasley, a player the Vikings reportedly met with at the combine. Pauline says Beasley skipped meetings with teams due to the death of his uncle.

Clemson defensive linemen Grady Jarrett, Josh Watson and Corey Crawford all reportedly performed well in their workouts, giving Vikings’ scouts plenty of notebook material to digest.