The NFL offseason is in full swing as franchises alike are making moves to improve their rosters. This 2021 NFL mock draft for the Minnesota Vikings should provide a potential draft this front office abides by.
The NFC North has been top-heavy the last few years, with the Green Bay Packers leading the way. The Vikings aim to stop that next year, as the franchise has made some solid acquisitions so far during free agency. There aren’t many holes left on the roster, which means the draft could put this team over the top within the next two years.
The current roster looks solid on paper, especially after some of the signings this offseason. The offense will still run through Dalvin Cook, but Justin Jefferson is one of the most exciting young wide receivers in the league. These two make Kirk Cousin’s life easier, but the offense still needs some improvements. Irv Smith Jr. takes over as the starting tight end, but after the release of Kyle Rudolph, this team may take a tight end in the later rounds.
However, the biggest need on offense is the offensive line. They gave up 39 sacks last year, which ranked them in the bottom half of the league. Searching for a talented offensive lineman in the draft should be a top priority for the front office.
Defensively, the Vikings look stable. Especially after reeling in Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander into the secondary. The biggest need on defense is youth and depth, which they can find plenty of in the upcoming draft. With that said, here is the NFL mock draft for the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings NFL Mock Draft: Day One
1.14 | Alijah Vera-Tucker | OT | USC
This might not be the most exciting pick, but Alijah Vera-Tucker fills the biggest need for this team. For the Vikings to improve next year, they have to find a way to incorporate the passing game a bit more. Selecting Vera-Tucker improves the pass protection, allowing Cousins to find the open man more efficiently.
H2: Minnesota Vikings NFL Mock Draft: Day Two
3.78 | Amari Rodgers | WR | Clemson
Minnesota doesn’t have a second-round pick as of this article, but luckily for them, this wide receiver class is deep. The Vikings already have Adam Thielen, Jefferson, and Smith Jr. However, finding a prospect receiver in the third round would be a great way for the Vikings to improve their passing game for the future. Amari Rodgers is one of the more versatile receivers in the draft this year and would be a great target out of the slot for this offense.
3.90 | Josh Myers | G | Ohio State
The front office goes back to the offensive line in this NFL mock draft. Josh Myers would be a great pick for the Vikings here, as he’s been a consistent guard during his time at Ohio State. This selection solidifies the offensive line, potentially giving Minnesota one of the best lines in the league down the road.
Minnesota Vikings NFL Mock Draft: Day Three
4.119 | Marvin Wilson | DT | Florida State
At 6-5, 305 lbs, Marvin Wilson has the size to be a good defensive tackle in the league. He was mainly used as a run stopper during his time at Florida State, clogging run lanes against opponents. Wilson would be a solid prospect to add to the defense, as he has the potential to be a consistent starter in the NFL.
4.125 | Pete Werner | LB | Ohio State
The Vikings could use some depth at inside linebacker, and they’d get exactly that with Pete Werner. The Ohio State prospect has been a tackle machine in his last three seasons and was on pace to have a career year if it weren’t for COVID. He’d be joining Troy Dye in the backup role and could be a solid player for special teams until he develops.
4.134 | Walker Little | OT | Stanford
One more offensive lineman to join the roster wouldn’t hurt. Walker Little has been very consistent throughout his collegiate career. His 6-7, 320 lbs frame makes him a solid prospect for the NFL.
Walker isn’t very mobile, but his sturdiness could help in the run game until he develops. The Vikings would be entering next year with plenty of youth and depth on the offensive line.
4.143 | Caden Sterns | S | Texas
The secondary is pretty solid in Minnesota, but the depth is a bit questionable. Caden Sterns would come in and have a chance to compete for a backup role against Josh Metellus and Myles Dorn.
5.157 | Seth Williams | WR | Auburn
Outside of Thielen and Jefferson, the wide receiver room in Minnesota is lacking. After drafting Amari Rodgers, the front office could double-dip at wide receiver and take Seth Williams. He’s a bigger receiver that has the potential to be a solid target lining up on the outside. He’d be a great rotational receiver behind Jefferson and Thielen.
5.168 | Tre’ McKitty | TE | Georgia
After cutting Kyle Rudolph, it’s clear that Irv Smith Jr. is the starter going forward. However, the depth behind him is rather questionable. McKitty is a fantastic prospect who will need some time to develop. Playing behind Smith Jr. could be what McKitty needs to adapt to the professional level.
6.199 | Chris Rumph | EDGE | Duke
Possibly the most underrated pass rusher in the draft, Chris Rumph aims to prove the doubters wrong in the NFL. He’s a bit on the small side, as he’s 6-3, 235 lbs. But he has the heart and the drive to get after the quarterback. He’d be a great special teams player and could earn a spot in the rotation at defensive end, or outside linebacker.
Minnesota Vikings NFL Mock Draft Recap
The Vikings ensure the offensive line with their first pick of the draft. Vera-Tucker gives Minnesota a chance to improve the offense next year, which is exactly what this team needs to make a playoff push.
From there, Minnesota focuses on acquiring prospects to bulk up the depth of the roster. Bringing in two more wide receivers would create a competitive group, guaranteeing the Vikings have the best receivers on the roster for the 2021 season. The defensive players bring youth and depth to the table, increasing the possibility of future success down the road.
So, that is what I think the Vikings would do in this scenario, what do you think? Comment below, or on Twitter and let me know!
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