2021 NFL Draft What the Vikings got righ
GΓΆnderilme zamanΔ±: 12 Haz 2023, 07:16
The 2021 NFL Draft is in the books, and while the may have stolen headlines thanks to , one of Green Bay's NFC North Tyler Clippard Jersey rivals probably deserve just as much, if not more, attention coming out of the weekend. We're talking about the . The reigning third-place finishers came into the draft with the No. 14 pick but ended up moving back and striking gold because of it. As we review each team's 2021 rookie cla s, here's a look at what the Vikings got right and wrong with their picks, specifically what they still need to addre s and one area they definitely aced:You can pretty much lump their first two rounds into this category, because general manager Rick Spielman couldn't have maneuvered more smoothly. First, at No. 14, Minnesota moved back nine spots with the in order to add two additional third-rounders. As if that weren't enough of a steal, the Vikings then landed Virginia Tech tackle Christian Darrisaw at No. 23, snagging a potential Day 1 blind-side starter that would've been a justified selection at Gerrit Cole Jersey No. 14. The cherry on top: Using No. 66, the first of the acquired third-rounders, to add Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond.Darrisaw and Mond couldn't be more different in terms of 2021 expectations. The former is an immediate candidate to replace the departed at left tackle, shoring up a perennially shuffled line for the Vikings' run-heavy offense. The latter is more of a long-term project, ideally giving Minnesota a more athletic backup this year, then challenging or succeeding down the road. Both picks are home runs, in our view. Darrisaw at No. 23 was just great value, and even if he's just serviceable as a rookie, he'll e sentially replace the more expensive Reiff. Mond, meanwhile, is enticing precisely because he's different from Cousins -- more of a rocket-armed Mike Scott Jersey developmental pa ser who gives the Vikings far more long-term upside than they've had at the QB spot.This one's easy, and perhaps the only reason Minnesota didn't have a near-perfect performance on draft weekend: Boost the pa s rush. is a physical freak with the production to match his Brian McCann Jersey size, so his return from injury -- barring a serious holdout and/or trade request this summer -- will aid the front four greatly. But Minnesota has lacked a bona fide end opposite Hunter since left prior to 2020. stint was short-lived, and return basically fills vacant depth role rather than giving the Vikings a surefire starter. The draft wasn't devoid of pa s-rushing swings. Far Jimmy Wynn Jersey from it. Spielman spent two picks on defensive ends: Pittsburgh's Patrick Jones II (third round) and Florida State's Janarius Robinson (fourth). Some would argue that both were taken a round early, however, with Jones requiring time to develop and Robinson transitioning from more of a stand-up role. If the Vikings are intent on contending sooner rather than later, however, they could stand to add to the position, whether via trade or free agency. Otherwise they'll be counting heavily on vets at other spots, like new defensive tackle , to balance things out.