Minnesota Vikings 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft: New franchise QB
Round 5, 154th Overall
842. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Auburn. 5. Roger McCreary. player
The Minnesota Vikings invested in the cornerback position in last year’s draft, but they could certainly still use some quality depth at the position. Roger McCreary stands out as a strong value in this range and should fit the Vikings’ defense well.
McCreary shows good length at the cornerback position and shines in press coverage. He also shows impressive instincts in zone coverage and has the speed to recover well if needed. McCreary is a talented cornerback prospect who stood out as one of the best players still on the board.
Round 5, 164th Overall
Pick Analysis. player. 2115. Scouting Report. EDGE. Tulane. Patrick Johnson. 5
Patrick Johnson is an explosive edge defender who is quick off of the ball and always seems to get great upfield burst. He is a versatile front seven defender who can play inside, outside and even off of the ball. The Vikings could certainly use some depth across their defensive line and Johnson could help provide that, even if it is in a limited role early in his career.
Round 6, 191st Overall
Pick Analysis. Austin Watkins. 6. player. 60. Scouting Report. WR. UAB
With the addition of Elijah Moore earlier and adding him to the mix with Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, the Vikings are loaded with speed and athleticism at the wide receiver position. Here, they find a big target who can win in contested-catch situations. Watkins has a wide catch radius and shows impressive concentration and ball skills. This wide receiver room could use some size and the 6-foot-3 Watkins certainly helps.
Round 6, 217th Overall
CB. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Florida. Trey Dean III. 6. 840
Trey Dean III is certainly a raw cornerback prospect, but he has extremely long arms and changes directions well in coverage. He is not ready to come in and compete for a starting spot right away, but Dean is undoubtedly a talented player whose length fits well with the Vikings’ usual prototype at the cornerback position. This is purely a shot at some upside at a moderate position of need for Minnesota.
Next. Rookies to watch in second half of NFL season. dark
Round 7, 235th Overall
Zach McCloud. 7. 834. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. Miami (FL). player
With their 12th and final selection of this mock draft, the Minnesota Vikings take a shot on some more defensive upside by adding Miami linebacker Zach McCloud to the mix. McCloud is a bit of an undersized player, but he shows strong overall athleticism and good instincts against the run.
He has a chance to grow into a solid defensive asset, but at worst, McCloud would likely be able to make an immediate impact on special teams.