Minnesota Vikings fans might remember back when Ross Blacklock was seen as a rising talent in the NFL. Drafted 40th overall in 2020 by the Houston Texans out of TCU, the young defensive tackle was touted for his potential.
Yet, Blacklock’s NFL journey has been anything but smooth. After spending just one season with the Vikings in 2022, he’s found himself on the move, hopping from team to team, and currently, he’s looking for a new home following his release from the New York Giants.
His time with the Vikings was brief and somewhat unremarkable. Acquired in a trade with the Texans that included a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder, Blacklock suited up for 11 games but recorded only two tackles, one of them a sack on Patriots’ QB Mac Jones during a spirited Week 11 comeback win. Minnesota saw him take 139 defensive snaps that season, but his run ended when he was waived in August 2023.
At just 26, Blacklock still boasts youth and potential. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, the physical tools are there.
Yet, post-Houston, he’s struggled to secure a starting role, appearing in only eight games since leaving the Vikings. While it’s tough seeing a second-round pick bouncing between practice squads and futures contracts, there’s still a glimmer of hope for him to find the right fit and turn things around.
With the NFL Draft looming and plenty of undrafted rookies vying for spots, Blacklock might have to bide his time. His call could come as teams start fleshing out their rosters ahead of the preseason. It’s a game of patience and persistence for Blacklock’s agent, keeping him top of mind for general managers across the league.
A return to Minnesota isn’t on the cards for now. The Vikings have been proactive in free agency focused on their defensive line and still have the draft to weigh in.
But if there’s one thing we know about the NFL, it’s that anything can happen. Blacklock’s journey may have had its setbacks, but in the unpredictable world of pro football, there’s always room for a comeback.
