Minnesota drafts Missouri's Kentrell Brothers in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft|Mizzou Hot Topics|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

He had to wait a bit longer than expected, but Kentrell Brothers finally found out his NFL destination when the Minnesota Vikings selected him 160th, midway through the fifth round.

Brothers recorded 152 tackles (73 solo, 79 assists) in 2015, with 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, three break-ups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and three blocked kicks. He was the driving force of a strong defense, and falling in the draft should help to keep an already well-sized chip on Brothers’ shoulders.

The same player who didn’t get an in-state offer from Oklahoma or Oklahoma State before choosing Missouri, the same player who wasn’t listed as a Butkus Award semifinalist despite insane production (presumably because his team’s offense stunk), was doubted, at least in part, because of average measurables. If he needed extra motivation to produce (and he probably didn’t), he’s got it now.

Congrats to Kentrell Brothers @Kentrell_Mizzou @Vikings ! Head coach Mike Zimmer is a former Mizzou coach! #MizzouMade

— Coach Andy Hill (@CoachHillMizzou) April 30, 2016

Stephenson confirmed that they’re looking at Brothers as a core Special Teams guy. Cited Brothers’ 3 blocked kicks at Mizzou last year.

— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) April 30, 2016

In five years at Mizzou, Brothers worked his way up the depth chart and took full advantage of the opportunities he got. A steady player on two SEC East championship teams, he erupted as a senior leader last fall. He will be missed, and we will be rooting for him. Cheers, Kentrell.

me, upon hearing @Kentrell_Mizzou just got drafted pic.twitter.com/af7j8sMwPO

— The REAL OG (@oscargambler) April 30, 2016

Congrats LB @Kentrell_Mizzou! Drafted in the 5th Round (#160 overall) by the @Vikings #MizzouMade pic.twitter.com/nDMTs2tifZ

— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) April 30, 2016