Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Player Information

Player: Markis Deal

School: TCU

Height/Weight: 6-5/325 lbs.

Player Background

– 4-Star Recruit

– Played Basketball and Track and Field in High School

– Academic All-Big 12 in 2023

Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season

– 23 Tackles

– 7 Tackles for a Loss

– 1.5 Sacks

– 1 Pass Deflections

Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season 

– 65.7 PFF Run Defense Grade

– 60.2 PFF Pass Rush Grade

– 13 QB Hurries

– 15 Defensive Stops

Player Traits

– Big motor to pursue the play as it is extended

– Good size and length to get leverage against blockers

– Has the power to overwhelm blockers

– Lays fully into every hit to take out ball carriers

– Good awareness

Player Summary

Markis Deal has some traits for a team to develop, and for him to take his next steps this Fall on a talented TCU defense. Deal has the size you look for an NFL defender, and it allows him to get leverage against most blockers he lines up against right now. He also uses his awareness to not over-commit on plays, and his big motor to pursue ball carriers and quarterbacks on plays that are extended. He has a lot to work on but the base is there for him to build up on, the question just remains whether he will or not. 

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Markis Deal, DL, TCU