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

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Despite an otherwise talented roster, the Minnesota Vikings’ most glaring need entering the 2021 NFL Draft looks to be along the offensive line. The Vikings neglected drafting a lineman with one of two first-round picks last year, instead drafting Justin Jefferson to replace Stefon Diggs and Jeff Gladney to replace the departures at cornerback.

The Vikings are apparently not limiting themselves to just one positional group and will evaluate all talent available with the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Going along with that strategy, the Vikings could find themselves in one of three positions. Their top-rated lineman is available and selected, they take what they believe is a “can’t miss prospect” or they trade back in the first round, adding additional draft capital. With the top quarterbacks likely off the board, there may be limited value in exchange for the 14th pick, forcing the Vikings to consider alternatives.

DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver, Alabama

The Minnesota Vikings hit a home run drafting Justin Jefferson as the sixth receiver in the 2020 Draft and could look to double down at the position this year. Jefferson was the only rookie receiver to make the Pro-Bowl and the only rookie other than Chase Young to earn an appearance. The Vikings have talent at the position between Jefferson and Thielen but could look to great an incredible group for the future.

Due to concerns over his size, Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith could fall to 14th and make things difficult for Speilman. Smith accounted for 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns in route to another national title and is effective as a slot or outside receiver. Smith is a phenomenal route runner and would give the Vikings dominant playmakers for the future for Cousins and a potential future replacement.

Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Florida

Tight end is hardly a need for the Minnesota Vikings heading into the Draft, but any team could be tempted to draft a generational talent at any position. Florida’s Kyle Pitts looks to be an absolute mismatch at tight end, possessing an ideal combination of size and speed. Pitts recently clocked an eye-watering 4.46 40-yard dash time and measures at 6-foot-6.

Pitts could be used in any offensive as a playmaking tight end or in multiple looks at receiver. n just eight games, Pitts recorded an additional 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Gators to the SEC Championship game and helping take quarterback Kyle Trask to the Heisman ceremony. Pitts would add another great playmaker for the future.

Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Penn State

The Vikings focused heavily on defense and could continue to do so with the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While the Vikings’ biggest need defensively looks to be at end, any team would love to have an incredibly versatile and sure tackling linebacker. Despite opting out of the 2020 season, Penn State’s Micah Parsons looks to be the best linebacker and arguably top defensive prospect in the Draft.

Parsons is a do-it-all linebacker, acting as a top-caliber tackler or someone that can create pressure when called upon. In his two years with Penn State, Parsons registered 191 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Parsons is a box-to-box tackling machine every NFL team desires and is explosive in the backfield. Parsons could make an immediate impact as a pass rusher or slot in immediately at a more natural and better fit as a future inside linebacker.