2021 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings seven-round mock draft

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2021 NFL draft, Minnesota Vikings, Shi Smith

MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: 2021 NFL Draft prospect Wide Receiver Shi Smith #13 from South Caroilina of the American Team makes a catch and run over Safety Divine Deablo #27 from Virginia Tech of the National Teams during the 2021 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings 2021 mock draft: Round Five

60. Shi Smith. player. WR. South Carolina. 141. Scouting Report. College Stats

After hitting big on first-round selection Justin Jefferson in last year’s draft, the Minnesota Vikings still need to polish off the position group with a slot receiver who can offer a consistent presence across the middle of the field to compliment Thielen and Jefferson on the outside.

At five-foot-10, South Carolina wide receiver Shi Smith has displayed the toughness and fearlessness to operate as a slot receiver in the NFL, hauling in receptions regardless of the contact waiting for him mere yards ahead.

With an impressive week at senior bowl practice, Smith displayed the ability to create short-yardage separation as well as naturally stem vertical routes to the liking of his quarterback. If Smith can carry this same toughness to the NFL, expect the Minnesota Vikings to be sporting another productive rookie wideout.

60. IOL. Wisconsin-Whitewater. Quinn Meinerz. 155. player. Scouting Report. Senior Bowl Spotlight

After seemingly winning over the internet during senior bowl week, Division III guard Quinn Meinerz offers elite potential as a pulling guard with his combination of mobility and raw strength. At 320-pounds, Meinerz moves well for his size, eating up space on his way to the second level.

Once arriving at the point of attack, Meinerz can only be described as a ‘pancake factory,’ effectively combing his mobility with his size to overpower would-be tacklers with his momentum. Even against high-caliber prospects at the senior bowl, Meinerz displayed superior strength against NFL-level competition.

Still needing work in pass-protection, Meinerz could be a suitable athlete to place on the interior of the offensive line to further assist Dalvin Cook. One thing that will need to be proven at the next level though is whether Meinerz is capable of translating this dominant strength directly out of his stance off of the snap.

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