Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Minnesota Vikings from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Vikings:
EDSFootball - Kevin Hanson (1/15)
14. Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
The Vikings traded for
Yannick Ngakoue and then traded him away after he played only six games with Minnesota. Even so, Ngakoue, now in Baltimore, led the Vikings in sacks (five) this season. Not only is Paye an outstanding run defender, but his elite athletic profile gives him enormous upside as a pass-rusher. Topping Bruce Feldman's annual
college football freaks list, Paye runs a 4.57 forty and his 3-cone time (6.37) would have been the best time at last year's combine.
San Diego Union Tribune - Eddie Brown (1/13)
14. Daviyon Nixon, IDL, Iowa
Coach Mike Zimmer didn't hold back when he called his defense the "worst one I've ever had." Nixon, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, was named a consensus All-American. He'd pair nicely with
Danielle Hunter to revitalize a once fearsome pass rush.
CBS Sports - Chris Trapasso (1/13)
14. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Not that the Vikings would be pushing
Anthony Barr out the door with this pick, but it's a selection made with the long-term future at linebacker in mind.
The Athletic - Dane Brugler (1/12)
14. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The lack of a consistent pass rush by the Vikings will eat at Mike Zimmer all offseason. The organization might be in position to draft the top pass rusher on its board, and that could be Rousseau, who has the length, flexibility and upside to blossom in Minnesota.
The Draft Network - Joe Marino (1/7)
14. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Vikings are a team in transition after saying goodbye to some key veterans in recent years and restocking the roster through the draft. Minnesota is loaded with draft capital once again in 2021 and it's important for the early picks to be used on high-upside prospects at premium positions. While Rousseau has plenty of room to improve technically to take advantage of his physical gifts, he's a high-ceiling defensive lineman that has the potential to become a difference-maker in the NFL if everything comes together.
ESPN - Todd McShay (1/7)
14. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Ezra Cleveland, last year's second-rounder, has helped the offensive line, but the Vikings still need a dominant tackle. They were one of 12 teams that allowed quarterback pressure on at least 30% of their dropbacks. Darrisaw is a talented left tackle who has power as a pass protector and can get to the second level to help block for
Dalvin Cook in Minnesota's zone run schemes. Other possibilities might include pass-rush aid -- the Vikings had the fifth-fewest sacks in 2020 with 23 -- or a safety.
USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (1/5)
14. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Mike Zimmer's remark that this year's defense was the "worst one I've ever had" no doubt will shape Minnesota's offseason. The Vikings might have to part with some key defensive figures if they can't restructure several deals, so replenishing the roster with a disruptive talent like Rousseau looks to be a vital move.
Athlon Sports - Bryan Fisher (1/5)
14. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
It's no secret that
Kirk Cousins had a hand in his face just about every drop back this past season despite having one of the more productive run games to lean on.
Riley Reiff could be on the way out the door so Cosmi could slide in right away and provide for a cheaper replacement that could be a better long-term fit.
Previous update: Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup 3.0
MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups
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