The Minnesota Vikings weren’t afraid to spend cash in 2021 NFL free company, including former Giants defensive deal with Dalvin Tomlinson on a two-year, $21 million deal and signing former Cardinals star Patrick Peterson to begin at cornerback. However they’ve nonetheless acquired loads to deal with in April’s draft, the place they’re going to have 10 picks so as to add to their roster, together with the No. 14 total choice. Which rookies could possibly be on their radar? Which positions will they prioritize?

Here is one stab at how the Vikings’ complete 2021 draft will play out:

If it feels just like the Vikings want offensive line assist yearly, that is as a result of they do. Even with 2020 second-rounder Ezra Cleveland slotting in as a beginning guard, Minnesota might stand so as to add starting-caliber gamers at deal with and guard earlier than kicking off in September. Vera-Tucker, at No. 14, would supply the flexibility to man both spot from the get-go, although he is in all probability greatest fitted to the within early on. Some think about him one of many most secure prospects of the 2021 class, which ought to sound like music to the Vikings’ ears in the event that they need a sturdier entrance for an additional run-heavy offense. Is it attractive? Not likely, however it’d be good.

And not using a second-rounder this 12 months, the Vikings might want to maximize their assortment of Day Two and Day Three picks to plug different holes. Although Danielle Hunter will in all probability be again, disgruntled or not, they nonetheless want extra depth off the sting, which is the place Turner is available in. Stevens, within the third, would arguably be an underrated addition to a gaggle that misplaced Eric Wilson and will lose Anthony Barr sooner fairly than later. However the true juice comes with their fourth and fifth picks right here: Some Vikings followers inevitably will not like spending a fourth on a quarterback, however Mills would match their mildew as extra of an old style pocket passer. Smith, in the meantime, might convey smaller, shiftier, speedier depth to the No. 3 WR spot.

The Vikings’ remaining 5 picks listed below are unfold throughout the board. Uphoff is perhaps higher suited at nook within the NFL, however that would not be unhealthy information for the Vikings, with Peterson solely on the town on a one-year deal. Vincent would possibly see his inventory rise after blazing take a look at outcomes at LSU’s professional day, however he’d be an thrilling undertaking at slot nook, the place Mackensie Alexander’s return to Minnesota looks like a shorter-term repair. Reese would offer extra beef up entrance, in the meantime, and Pederson — son of ex-Eagles coach Doug Pederson — might supply depth at tight finish, the place Kyle Rudolph departed this offseason.