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Former Vanderbilt Commodores DL Stephen Weatherly Promoted To Minnesota Vikings’ Active Roster

By Zach Ragan

Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Stephen Weatherly (64) tries to get around tackle Carter Bykowski (60) in drills at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Stephen Weatherly (64) tries to get around tackle Carter Bykowski (60) in drills at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings made some roster moves on Friday, which included a promotion for former Vanderbilt Commodores defensive lineman Stephen Weatherly.

When Stephen Weatherly declared for the NFL Draft after the 2015 season, he probably didn’t think he’d have to wait until week 12 of the 2016 NFL season to be part of a team’s active roster.

But that is indeed the case for the former Vanderbilt Commodores standout defensive lineman/linebacker.

Weatherly, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft, was promoted to the Vikings’ active roster on Monday. The team released running back Ronnie Hillman to make room.

https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/800773475363385344

Weatherly finished his Vanderbilt career with 11.5 sacks and 26 tackles for loss.

The Georgia native started his career as a defensive end at Vandy. Weatherly was moved to outside linebacker when the Commodores switched a 3-4 scheme under new head coach Derek Mason.

Weatherly started all 12 games as a junior in 2015. His best season, however, came in 2014, when he compiled 4.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, despite only starting nine games.

Minnesota’s decision to stash Weatherly on the practice squad had more to do with the Vikings’ depth at the position, rather than his ability.

The Vikings already have veterans Brian Robison and Everson Griffen at defensive end, as well as budding star Danielle Hunter.

Depth, however, is always needed. Minnesota doesn’t have a lot of quality options behind those three players at the moment.

I’d expect Weatherly to see some special teams work against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. He may even also see some time in the Vikings’ defensive end rotation.

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Interestingly enough, Weatherly is the only former Vanderbilt player that will be playing on Thanksgiving Day. Former Commodores safety Andrew Williamson is on the Colts’ roster, but he is on the injured/reserved list.

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