Jaylen Twyman, a Vikings defensive tackle who was shot while in Washington D.C. this offseason, has been waived by the team with a non-football injury designation.
As reported by ESPN’s Field Yates, Twyman will revert to the non-football injury list should he clear waivers.
The rookie defensive tackle was visiting his aunt in Washington D.C. when he was shot four times. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Twyman does not need surgery and X-rays were negative. He is expected to make a full recovery as well.
Twyman was expected to report to camp, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. Rosenhaus was asked if the rookie would be placed on the non-football injury list once he reported. Rosenhaus wrote to Tomasson that he’s “not sure” what the Vikings might do with him from a roster standpoint. Well, now we know.
Twyman is a promising prospect who, when fully recovered, could find his way into the defensive line rotation as a penetrating three-technique tackle.
Vikings rookie DT Jaylen Twyman, who was shot four times while in Washington D.C., is expected to report to training camp on Sunday.
Vikings rookie Jaylen Twyman, who was shot four times while in Washington D.C., will be reporting to training camp on Sunday, according to his agent.
Other Vikings rookies are also set to report to training camp on Sunday, July 25.
Twyman’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was asked if Twyman would be placed on the non-football injury list to start camp. Rosenhaus wrote to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press that he’s “not sure” what the Vikings might do with him from a roster standpoint.
So it’s not a given that Twyman will be practicing right away. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the rookie defensive tackle is expected to not sustain any long-term injuries.
Twyman is a sixth-round pick, but he had a very promising career at Pittsburgh. He could be an interesting rotational lineman to watch in the future, especially if Sheldon Richardson ever gets injured. Richardson going down would leave a void that needs to be filled by a three-technique player who can provide pressure.
Twyman’s role as of now, though, isn’t clearly defined. Fans will have to wait until the season to see just how much he plays for the Vikings defense in 2021.
Minnesota Vikings rookie defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman is expected to make a full recovery and play this season.
Vikings DT Jaylen Twyman was shot four times in Washington D.C. when visiting his aunt. There is some good news, though: Twyman is expected to not sustain any long-term injuries, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Twyman’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that the rookie defensive tackle was shot in the arm, leg, buttocks and shoulder. He is supposed to be released from the hospital this week.
After a prolific collegiate career with Pittsburgh, Twyman slipped to the Vikings in the sixth-round of the 2021 NFL draft. He is seen as a pass-rushing interior lineman, which should be a big help to a group with run-stopping defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Michael Pierce as the main options.
However, the Vikings signed Sheldon Richardson, a pass-rushing complement to Pierce and Tomlinson as well. Still, Twyman should be able to vie for a spot in the defensive line rotation in 2021, assuming he recovers in time to play. Per Schefter, that appears to be the case.
Vikings rookie DT Jaylen Twyman was shot four times while visiting his aunt in Washington D.C.
Vikings’ rookie DT Jaylen Twyman was shot four times while visiting an aunt in Washington DC. “Wrong place, wrong time,” said his agent Drew Rosenhaus. “In talking to him today, he’s going to be OK – that’s all that matters. We’re thankful he’s OK. He will make a full recovery.”
Vikings defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman was shot four times while visiting his aunt in Washington D.C., according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“Wrong place, wrong time,” Twyman’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said, via Schefter. “In talking to him today, he’s going to be OK – that’s all that matters. We’re thankful he’s OK. He will make a full recovery.”
Also per Schefter, Twyman does not need surgery and X-rays were negative. He is expected to make a full recovery. The team is aware of the situation.
Twyman, a rookie, was chosen in the sixth round of the NFL draft. He was seen by many as a promising prospect, so it’s possible the Vikings got a steal in the defensive lineman.
He is viewed as a pass-rushing, penetrating defensive tackle, who has a chance to work his way up the depth chart with the Vikings in 2021 and beyond.
The Minnesota Vikings did a good job of adding talent through the 2021 NFL draft. Here are the most-improved position groups.
The Vikings’ 11-player 2021 draft class is filled with talent up and down.
From first-rounder Christian Darrisaw to sixth-round pick Jaylen Twyman, the Vikings had a pretty good NFL draft. Minnesota had to add starters to open positions, in order to have a bounce-back season and earn a playoff berth.
That could very well be possible now. Here are some position groups the Vikings improved the most through the draft:
The Minnesota Vikings have added depth to the defensive line by taking Pittsburgh DL Jaylen Twyman in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft.
Jaylen Twyman is an interesting prospect. Some had him going as early as the first round in various mock drafts. During the draft, absurd things can happen, and Twyman fell far beyond that range.
He opted out of 2020, but in 2019, he tallied 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He has the potential to be a menacing pass rusher out of the three-technique spot.
The Vikings got him in the sixth round. Minnesota landed Twyman with the No. 199 overall pick.
Arif Hasan of The Athletic compiled a consensus big board of all the draft prospects. Twyman came in at No. 142. That’s pretty good value for the Vikings, especially when you consider that Twyman brings something different stylistically than DT Dalvin Tomlinson.
Unless the Vikings trade into the seventh or sixth round, this is Minnesota’s final pick of the draft. Overall, the team got decent value across the board. Now, it’s time to see how that comes to fruition during the 2021 NFL season.
Pitt defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman reflected on his relationship with Aaron Donald, who he calls his Michael Jordan.
There’s a case to be made that Aaron Donald is the best player in the NFL regardless of position. He’ll probably never win an MVP award because it’s so quarterback-driven, but Donald is as dominant as any player in the league.
He’s also become a role model among younger players at all positions, but particularly fellow defensive tackles. Pitt prospect Jaylen Twyman is similarly undersized at 6-foot-1 and 301 pounds, but he’s incredibly strong (40 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press) and athletic (32.5-inch vertical) like Donald.
Hailing from the same school, Twyman looks up to Donald. The Rams defensive tackle has become a mentor to Twyman, training with him at the University of Pittsburgh on occasion. Twyman reflected on his relationship with Donald during an appearance on “Good Morning Football” and said he switched his jersey number to 97 because of the way he looks up to Donald.
“My college coach, he was all for it because he saw the work I was putting in that offseason. My high school coach was definitely like, ‘You sure you want to do that? Everybody’s going to be demanding a lot from you.’ But Aaron Donald is like my Michael Jordan. If I played basketball, I wanted to wear 23. So I wanted to add that pressure to myself. … So I definitely wanted to wear 97.”
"The biggest thing I'm good at is knowing what's about to happen before it happens."@NFLDraft prospect, DT @JaylenTwyman, joined #GMFB!
Twyman opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the draft, but he was dominant in 2019 at Pittsburgh. He recorded 41 tackles, 12 of which went for a loss, as well as 10.5 sacks. He’s squarely in the conversation to be a first-round pick this year and is one of the top defensive tackles available.
Working out with Donald for the last few years has helped Twyman get to where he is today, and when he reaches the NFL, he’ll put in the work just like AD does.
“AD, the way he works, how he’s the best player in the NFL and stuff, to see him come in every day and he’s working like he’s an undrafted free agent, it just gives me an insight of god willing, if I’m presented with the opportunity to be able to work like him,” Twyman said. “This was one of the guys I looked up to since I was 14 years old, so to be able to work out with him since I was a redshirt freshman when I was a nobody to work out with him now, it’s been a blessing and an honor.”
With an official NFL Scouting Combine this year, college pro day workouts will be even more important this the top prospects in the 2021 NFL draft to show off their athletic ability for league decision-makers.
One player who made the most of their opportunity Wednesday was Pitt defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman, who put up an incredible 40 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the Panthers’ pro day.
Regarded by most as a mid-round pick in this year’s draft class, Twyman definitely turned some heads with his show of strength.
With an official NFL Scouting Combine this year, college pro day workouts will be even more important this the top prospects in the 2021 NFL draft to show off their athletic ability for league decision-makers.
One player who made the most of their opportunity Wednesday was Pitt defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman, who put up an incredible 40 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the Panthers’ pro day.
Regarded by most as a mid-round pick in this year’s draft class, Twyman definitely turned some heads with his show of strength.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Pitt defensive line prospect Jaylen Twyman
If your favorite NFL team is looking for a defensive line prospect who can do it all, wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and blowing up running backs in the backfield, Pitt’s Jaylen Twyman is their man in the 2021 NFL Draft.
One of the most versatile and disruptive defensive line prospects in next year’s draft class, Twyman recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his decision to opt out of the 2020 college football season, which NFL players he likes to model his game after, and what’s next as he looks ahead to the draft.
JM: What can you tell me about your decision to opt out of the 2020 college football season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft?
JT: My decision came down to financials. My family needs me. My mom, my dad and my brother, they need me. I had some family matters that I can’t get into. I had to put my family first. That was the reason why I opted out.
JM: What’s the biggest challenge you expect to encounter with having so much time to prepare for the draft? Under normal circumstances, you’d still be playing competitive football right now.
JT: I honestly feel like I have a big advantage. I’m going to take this time to rest my body. I’m saving my body from extra punishment. I’m constantly in the gym working on my body. I’m getting stronger right now. I’m taking advantage of these months.
I’m working with my trainer and mentor, Sean Washington. He’s training me right now. I’m getting better every day. I’m literally at his gym right now. I’m taking advantage of this extra time to rest my body and improve my game. I’m not just sitting around. I’m down here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, putting some work in. I’m getting better mentally as well.
Yeah, I’m missing the opportunity to play live football right now. I’m not out there chasing quarterbacks down, but I am working with coach Chuck Smith on my pass rushing ability. He’s another mentor of mine. Coach Rodney Williams is working with me, as well. I have so many good people in my corner right now. These are experienced coaches with proven track records. They’re keeping me right and making sure I get in the best shape of my life.
Whenever I put the pads on again, I’ll be ready to go.
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What were some areas of your game that you were hoping to showcase on the field this season?
JT: Getting after the quarterback. I just wanted to show how complete my game is. I was speaking to a D-line coach the other day, and they asked me what I thought my best game was. They thought I was gonna talk about this one game where I had 3 sacks.
Instead, I talked about a game where I forced a fumble and made a couple of big plays in the run game. I just wanna show people that I’m a complete football player. That’s one of the things I’m focusing on. It’s not always about the sacks or the stats. That’s most of it, but I’m focused on being a good technical player.
JM: Speaking of stats, 2019 was your best season yet. You started 13 games, recording 12 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Did you expect to put up those eye-popping numbers?
JT: A lot of people ask me that. I don’t set goals. That’s not something I do. I just put in the work. I don’t set goals like that.
If you’re a bank robber, you don’t go into the bank trying to get a certain amount of money. You want all of the money. Isn’t that funny? I just work and whatever comes of it, that’s what it’s gonna be.
JM: What do you think led to such drastic improvement?
JT: Investing in my trainer, Sean Washington, definitely played a big role. He pushes me to my maximum. He’s the reason I’ve gotten way stronger as of late. My pass rush coach, Chuck Smith, definitely played a huge role as well. Coach Smith has helped become a pass rusher. He worked on my hips and what not. He saw my ability to flip my hips and took that part of my game to another level.
I went home and did a lot of foot activation and balance stuff with my football coach, Rodney Williams. They all taught me so much. I have a whole team behind me. They started pushing me harder.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What’s your favorite part of playing defensive tackle?
JT: I enjoy the one-on-one opportunities with the offensive guard. When the center slides away from me and I have the guard on an island, I could see him lowering his pads and I know it’s a passing play, I love getting that one-on-one.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
JT: I’m gonna stay humble. I just like to let my actions speak louder than my words. I’m getting better right now. I’m constantly working.
JM: Do you feel like you have a go-to move, or are you still working on that?
JT: I walk around with a toolbox. I can reach into my bag and pull out a move. I have a flathead in there, a screwdriver, a wrench. Call me Bob the Builder (laughs).
JM: Do you feel like you’re more developed in the run game or as a pass rusher right now?
JT: I’m definitely a better pass rusher right now. I’d be lying to you if I said that I’m a better run stopper. I’m a pass rusher first and foremost. I’m gonna get after that quarterback. I’m coming on third down. I treat every play like it’s third down.
That’s another thing. I told you earlier that I’m trying to become a complete football player. Aaron Donald can stop the run, as well. Everybody knows he gets after the quarterback, but he can stop the run, too. That’s what I’m trying to be like. I want to do both, but I’ll always be known as a pass rusher first.
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What was the biggest lesson you learned throughout your time at Pitt?
JT: My time there taught me to stay humble. I was red-shirted as soon as I arrived. I had to earn everything. Nothing was given to me. I have to thank the coaching staff. They installed that mindset in me. I already had that mindset, but I continue to work my butt off.
That’s how I was preparing for this coming season. It was the same way. I was treating it like I was a true freshmen that just got here.
JM: What’s the culture like in that locker room?
JT: We’re the best. That’s how we feel. We walk around with our heads held high. Our attitude remains the same win or lose. We’re the best. We think we’re going to win every game. That starts with players like Jimmy Morrissey and Damar Hamlin.
JM: If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one of those teammates with you, who would you bring and why?
JT: I’m bringing two with me (laughs). I gotta bring two with me, I can’t just bring one. I’ll give you two names. Cam Bright and Paris Ford. Ford is a loose screw, but he has a smart mind (laughs). Bright is so strong and fast.
JM: How close is that Pittsburgh program to becoming a legit top 5-10 program in the nation?
JT: We’ll see how this season goes. They had a great start so far. They have some big games coming up. I’m confident. A couple of guys opted out, but they’re not missing a beat. That’s the type of atmosphere we installed there. We believe in each other. It doesn’t matter who’s down or up.
Last season, we lost Keyshon Camp and Rashad Weaver. We didn’t miss a beat. A couple of guys stepped up. We got better every day. That tells you a lot about how great the coaching staff is over there. It starts with them.
(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
JM: Are there any pass rushers that you particularly enjoy watching tape on?
JT: You know I have to go with Aaron Donald. I love to watch him. I like to watch Joey and Nick Bosa, as well. They have so many moves in their toolbox. I love to use some of their moves. I watch them a lot. I’ve started watching some Kenny Clark recently. I like all D-linemen. Donald, Clark, Grady Jarrett and the Bosa brothers are the ones I spend the most time watching, though.
JM: Who would you say is the best player you’ve ever played against?
JT: Sam Howell. He’s the quarterback for North Carolina. He’s definitely the best player I’ve ever played against. He’s such a great player.
JM: The next big event in your football career will be the NFL Scouting Combine. Are there any drills that you’re looking forward to the most?
JT: I’m training for everything right now. I’m not just worried about the bench press or the 40-yard dash for example. I’m getting ready for all of the drills. I’m doing a lot of strength training as of right now. I’m getting stronger and working on my hamstrings. I’m getting more explosive.
I’ll start moving to the on-field work shortly. I’ll be getting with Chuck Smith and working on that. I’ll be going through the on-field combine drills shortly. I’m just focusing on my strength and explosiveness right now.
JM: What’s up next for you?
JT: We shall see. I’m just getting ready for the combine. That’s up next for me as of now, the combine. That’s my main focus right now. I’m spending time with my family. It’s all about family and the combine.
