Minnesota Vikings: Ideal first-round targets in 2021 NFL Draft

Pass Rusher Options

The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2020 season with one of the worst defensive units in the NFL. The Vikings allowed the fourth-most points scored and ranked sixth-worst in the NFL in yards allowed. Minnesota made several moves to improve their defense through free agency but will continue to look at adding more youth through the Draft.

Minnesota added experience in their secondary with the acquisition of Patrick Peterson and Xavier Woods and the return of Mackensie Alexander. The Vikings’ most noticeable acquisitions will likely be at the interior of their defensive line. After struggling to contain the run last year, Davlin Tomlinson and Michael Pierce should create an immediate presence at defensive tackle.

While the Vikings improved their secondary and interior line, there is significant work to be done with their pass rush entering the 2021 NFL Draft. The Vikings were unable to find value after burning a second-round pick on Yannick Ngakoue and while they obtained a third-rounder from the Ravens, they do not have a game-changing player at defensive end.

The Vikings resigned Danielle Hunter and will hope the 26-year-old end can recapture his 2019 form where he registered 14.5 sacks before missing last season due to a neck injury. 2020 fourth-round pick D.J. Wonnum found moderate success but there is reason to believe defensive end will remain a weakness if the Vikings cannot find a future end opposite Hunter.

Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

The Minnesota Vikings need help at the defensive end position after ranking fourth-worst in pressuring the quarterback last season. While the return of Hunter and improvements made to defensive tackle will help, the Vikings are without a counterpart to Hunter following the departure of Everson Griffen. Unlike past classes, there is not a stand-out talent at defensive end, meaning the Vikings could have their choice with the 14th overall pick.

If the Vikings decide to draft a pass rusher early in the Draft, Michigan’s Kwity Paye looks to be the closest thing to a traditional round one end in this Draft. Paye has the size, strength, and burst needed at the snap, giving him all the physical tools needed for the position. Paye’s biggest knock would be his limited starting experience, making him more of a developmental prospect and possible reach at 14.

Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami (FL)

After struggling with injuries at UCLA, California native Jaelan Phillips transferred to Miami and produced an incredibly impressive single season with the Hurricanes. Phillips stepped into a starting spot following Gregory Rosseau’s decision to opt-out of the season and registered 8 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in a 10 game season.

Phillips is a versatile edge rusher and could be used as an end or outside linebacker. Phillips was productive at the college level but there are concerns with his size. Like many prospects at the position, Phillips is in a position of finding the spot between adding weight and maintaining speed. Prior injury concerns could move Phillips out of the first round but the Vikings may miss on a top edge rusher without a second-round pick.

Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami (FL)

Fellow Miami defensive end, Gregory Rousseau may be one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. Rousseau transitioned to defensive end at Miami after playing wide receiver and safety in high school. Rousseau is an incredibly athletic prospect for the position, possessing great size and length, but tends to overly rely on his athleticism over technique.

Despite Rousseau’s prior experience at receiver, he was incredibly productive at end for the Hurricanes. His first season at Miami was limited to just two games due to injury, however, he returned in 2019 registering 15.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.

Outperformed only by Chase Young, Rousseau decided to opt out of the 2020 season to focus on the Draft. He has the length, frame, and speed to develop into a top pass rusher but will need to add weight and improve technique to hit his ceiling.