Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus
April 5, 2021
The predicted pick at No. 14: Christian Darrisaw, Tackle, Virginia Tech
The release of Riley Reiff only further weakened what was already a shaky offensive line in Minnesota. The pre-draft options for the tackle opposite Brian O'Neill — who will be playing on the last year of his rookie contract in 2021 — include moving Ezra Cleveland back out to tackle after playing guard as a rookie last season and giving 29-year-old Rashod Hill a shot at the job. Darrisaw in the first round is a more appealing option than either of those two.
The 16th-ranked player on PFF's Big Board broke out in 2020 to the tune of an elite 95.6 overall grade against a respectable slate of ACC edge rushers. He brings some legitimate power with him in that 6-foot-5, 314-pound frame.
Click here for Linsey's full mock draft.
Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus
April 12, 2021
The predicted pick at No. 14: Christian Barmore, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
The Vikings would shed a silent, single tear if Darrisaw went one pick before their chance to snag him. They end up pivoting back to a pick many were penciling in for this team before free agency. Minnesota may already have Michael Pierce returning and new free agent acquisition Dalvin Tomlinson on board, but neither of those players can rush the passer the way Barmore did in his final season at Alabama. There is space for all three to be impact players on the same line throughout a season. This is a pick that would anger a lot of Vikings fans, but it would be the smartest move in this situation.
Click here for Monson's full mock draft.
Arif Hasan of The Athletic (four rounds included)
April 12, 2021
The predicted pick at No. 14: Alijah Vera-Tucker, Guard/Tackle, Southern California
Quarterbacks went in the first three picks, which might have given us some hope a lineman would fall to us, but with Penei Sewell going fourth to the Falcons and Rashawn Slater going next to the Bengals, the pickings got slim fast. Christian Darrisaw went to the Panthers, meaning we just had to hope the Chargers didn't snatch Vera-Tucker or we would have traded down.
They picked Kwity Paye, which means the Vikings got the USC combo tackle/guard, allowing them to have someone play to the left of Garrett Bradbury. While something still needs to be done about right guard or left tackle — assuming Cleveland plays the other spot — Vera-Tucker gives us some breathing room.
It helps that when stacking up every player on our mock Vikings board, Vera-Tucker is at the top of the list.
Vera-Tucker's experience at tackle is great to have, but his power, athleticism and balance make him an ideal fit for a guard in a zone scheme. The Athletic's Dane Brugler argued Vera-Tucker has a "Pro Bowl ceiling," and though he has anchor issues, his technique, instinct and upper-body strength should serve the Vikings well.
TRADE: Minnesota moves back to No. 46 in a deal with New England. The Vikings gave up Nos. 78 and 125 to move into the second round.