Saturday, February 6, 2021

Minnesota Vikings 2021 NFL Mock Draft Roundup, 5.0

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:

NFL.com - Zierlein (2/4)

14. Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL, USC

One of the most surprising developments from the 2020 college season was Vera-Tucker's play at left tackle after transitioning from guard. Needless to say, he'll offer guard/tackle flexibility at the next level and would be an instant upgrade on the Vikings' O-line.

NFL.com - Brooks (2/1)

14. Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

The Vikings' defensive decline can be attributed to a non-existent pass rush that clearly missed the injured Danielle Hunter. Paye has the potential to develop into a high-end edge rusher in a few years.

Akron Beacon Journal - Kadar (2/1)

14. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer expressed his frustration several times this season with his defense. You can rest assured knowing that he is going to spend the offseason upgrading that side of the ball. Although there isn't a superstar edge rusher in this draft, Rouseeau is the closest thing to it thanks to his combination of length and athleticism. That sure sounds like a Vikings pass rusher doesn't it?

The Ringer - Kelly (1/31)

14. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Vikings have a lot of work to do on what was an uncharacteristically bad defense in 2020, and adding more pass-rushing talent up front is at the top of the list. Rousseau is an athletic and productive edge prospect with extraordinary length and limitless upside, and he'd make things tough for opposing offensive lines when lined up opposite Danielle Hunter.

USA Today - Davis (1/28)

14. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Vikes had an NFC-low 23 sacks in 2020, coach Mike Zimmer saying of his defense: "worst one I've ever had." Rousseau, who's only 20, had 15½ sacks in 2019, winning ACC defensive rookie of the year honors before opting out in 2020. His 6-7 frame also makes him a threat to bat down balls when he can't get to the quarterback. He and Danielle Hunter could form quite a combo in a division ruled by Aaron Rodgers.

ESPN - Kiper (1/26)

14. Alijah Vera-Tucker, IOL, USC

Speaking of rising prospects, Vera-Tucker has scouts around the league buzzing after a tremendous season. He moved from guard to left tackle and dominated for the Trojans. At 6-4, 315 pounds, he could play either position at the next level. The Vikings must solidify their offensive line around Kirk Cousins, even after spending second-round picks on Ezra Cleveland (2020) and Brian O'Neill (2018) in recent years, and Vera-Tucker could be the long-term answer on the left side of the line. Cousins plays best when his running game is humming, and Vera-Tucker is a great run-blocker.

NFL.com - Jeremiah (1/22)

14. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)

I'm a big fan of Rousseau and his potential at the next level. He has elite length and surprising pass rush polish despite his limited experience at the position. The Vikings' defense took a big step back last year due to an inability to pressure the quarterback.

Baltimore Sun - Doon (1/22)

14. Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Vikings lost star pass rusher Danielle Hunter to a season-ending neck injury just days before Week 1, and the trade for Yannick Ngakoue didn't work out. Minnesota ranked 30th in the league in pressure rate and had just 23 sacks. The 6-foot-7, 265-pound Rousseau flashed game-breaking potential in 2019 with 15½ sacks.

Previous update: Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

More Minnesota Vikings content:

Also, check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.