Vikings UDFA Profile: Pace (D-II) OL Jacky Chen
Over the next couple weeks, Inside the Vikings will be taking a look at all 15 members of Minnesota's 2023 undrafted free agent class.
Vikings UDFA profile: Pace OL Jacky Chen
- Size: 6'5", 299
- RAS: 5.39
- 2022 stats: N/A
Jacky Chen is a potential small-school underdog story who will compete to earn a spot on the Vikings' practice squad. The son of Chinese immigrants, he started playing football as a sophomore in high school in Port Jefferson, NY. Chen was just 240 pounds when he got a scholarship to play football at Division-II Pace University in New York City, but he developed into a dominant player at that level.
By his sophomore season in 2019, Chen was up to 285 pounds and started eight games on an explosive Pace offense. After the 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID, he started at tackle for two more seasons in 2021 and 2022. At 6'5", 300 pounds, Chen is a solid athlete who overwhelmed opponents with his size and power at the D-II level. Now he'll look to translate that success to the NFL, which will be a big test given the huge jump he'll be making in level of competition.
To earn a practice squad spot, Chen will need to show he has the athleticism and technical skill to have some upside in the NFL. His journey began this past weekend at rookie minicamp, where he and several other linemen received instruction from Vikings O-line coach Chris Kuper and assistant OL coach Justin Rascati.
Vikings' offseason offensive tackle depth chart:
- Christian Darrisaw (LT) and Brian O'Neill (RT)
- Blake Brandel
- Oli Udoh
- Vederian Lowe
- Sam Schlueter
- Jacky Chen (rookie)
Other Vikings UDFA profiles
Georgia Southern CB NaJee Thompson
North Carolina State WR Thayer Thomas
Southeastern Louisiana WR/QB Cephus Johnson III
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