2021 NFL Draft: Bears land top pick in preseason 2021 NFL mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
2021 NFL Draft Round 1, Pick 19 (Minnesota Vikings, 10-6)
60. Defensive Tackle. 19. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. USC. Jay Tufele
When it comes to the NFC North there is a huge window of opportunity for the Minnesota Vikings to win the division this season. The Lions and Bears are still soul searching a bit, trying to find their way. The Packers are leaving everyone confused and the Vikings just added Yannick Ngakoue.
One spot that the Vikings will be looking to upgrade is the player next to Ngakoue, the defensive tackle. Jay Tufele is a versatile defensive tackle that can slide into both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive sets and would be another force in the reformed Purple People Eaters.
Over two seasons at USC, Tufele has proven to be a consistent player that can contribute in multiple ways. His tackle totals don’t jump off the charts, having just 64 over his seasons, but being a swiss army knife of sorts makes him an intriguing pick.
In his two years at USC, he was able to tally 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one interception and one fumble recovered for a touchdown.
This isn’t a pick that will jump off the page, it’s more of a safe pick that will go a long way in keeping the Vikings at the top of the division.