EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings utilized their 12th and final pick of the 2019 NFL Draft to select long snapper Austin Cutting out of Air Force on Saturday.
Cutting was tabbed with the 250th overall pick and spoke with retiring Vikings Legend Scott Studwell, who initially joined Minnesota as the 250th overall pick of the 1977 NFL Draft.
The dozen selections set a Vikings record for a seven-round draft and were the most of any team this year.
Cutting has played in 23 games in the past two seasons after not playing varsity in 2015.
Here are five things to know about Cutting:
1. One and only
Cutting was the only long snapper drafted in this year's class.
He is the eighth player ever drafted out of Air Force by an NFL team and first since Buffalo selected DE Bryce Fisher in 1999.
2. Three-sport star in high school
Cutting lettered in football, track and power lifting at Central High School in Keller, Texas, which is north of Fort Worth.
Cutting played tackle and tried his hands at long snapper as a freshman, quickly picking up the rare skill.
Asked Saturday during a conference call if the power lifting helped with long snapping, he said, "Everything helps, in my opinion."
"You always hear everyone saying these big-time names were multiple-sport athletes growing up, and I think it helped a lot," Cutting said. "I think it obviously helped me get some of my strength … but as far as the snapping goes, I feel like it's more [power] cleans, stuff like that, [that] helped me, and in power lifting, that's not one of the ones, but still you're squatting, you're deadlifting all the hamstrings, glutes, quads. I think it's helped a lot."
3. Up in the air
Slated to graduate from the Air Force Academy next month, Cutting received permission to participate in the Vikings rookie minicamp this weekend and make up his class work.
Graduates are usually in-line to fulfill a two-year commitment of service, but there have been some exceptions. Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona, a Navy grad, was able to fulfill a modified role.
Cutting, who is an acquisition officer, and the Vikings are working with the Air Force on possibilities.
He has communicated with Cardona.
4. NFLPA Collegiate Bowl
Cutting received an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, a college all-star game that was held at the Rose Bowl in January.
Brent Briggeman of The Colorado Springs Gazette reported that Cutting **turned heads** with his performance during practices and at Air Force's Pro Day.
5. Family celebration
Cutting was able to celebrate the news of his selection with his parents, Ed and Lisa, two older brothers and close friends in Texas.
