NFL Draft Notebook: Minnesota Vikings are big winners and much more
By John Blair
The team that came out of this weekend looking like the team to beat in the NFC North is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings had the best draft this past weekend and added several players who should see significant time next season, including two likely starters on the offensive line.
The Minnesota Vikings also were helped by the situation happening up in Green Bay where it looks like Aaron Rodgers might actually be on his way out of town this offseason. Despite the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions also putting together solid draft classes, it is hard to make a team that will be led by either Andy Dalton or Jared Goff the favorite in the NFC North.
Along with taking a look at how the Minnesota Vikings and three other teams had great NFL Drafts this week’s NFL Draft Notebook also takes a look at the following
-What teams will likely get little return from their 2021 NFL Draft class
-The best pick from each round of this year’s NFL Draft
-Where the top undrafted free agents ended up
-A look at some of the top prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft
NFL Draft Winners
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings had the best draft this year, first because they were able to trade back and get one of the best left tackles in the draft with the selection of Christian Darrisaw. The team was also able to pick up the best guard in the draft in the third round by snagging Wyatt Davis who was selected 72 picks after Alijah Vera-Tucker was selected by the New York Jets.
The Vikings were also able to get an intriguing developmental quarterback in the third round. While Davis Mills might have been the better pick with the 66th pick it is hard to argue with the selection of Kellen Mond at this point in the draft.
In addition to these picks, Minnesota added several players late in the draft who show promising potential on day three of the draft. These picks include wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who along with being a playmaker on offense, can also help out the Minnesota Vikings on special teams. Tight end Zach Davidson, who is one of the more athletic tight ends in the draft. The Vikings also picked up the steal of the draft with their last selection by picking up defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots had an outstanding first and second day of the 2021 NFL Draft. Their first-round selection Mac Jones is someone who was projected to be the third overall draft pick, but somehow fell to the 15th pick. Jones should be an outstanding fit in the Patriots offense as well as he has the intelligence and accuracy the team’s offense requires.
On the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft, New England was able to pick up the best defensive tackle and defensive end in the draft. Alabama’s Christian Barmore is a proven pass rusher who has a high upside. In Ronnie Perkins, the Pats get a player who is strong vs both the pass and run and was the most complete defensive end in the draft.
Unfortunately, the team did reach on several players on the third day of the draft and it is hard to see any of these players making much of an impact.
Detroit Lions
While the Detroit Lions did not address their top needs in the 2021 NFL Draft, they did get good value in the players they selected. In the first round, they went with Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell, who was rated as the fourth-best player in the draft. He will likely become a long-term starter on Detroit’s offensive line and be a multiple-time Pro Bowl selection.
The team also got good value with several defensive players they picked up later in the draft. In the third round, they picked up Alim McNeil who is a powerful run defender. The team then got a steal in the fourth round with the selection of Purdue linebacker Derrick Barnes. While seventh-round pick Jermar Jefferson plays on the offensive side of the ball he is a running back who should see playing time next year.
New York Giants
The New York Giants can be considered one of the winners of the 2021 NFL Draft due to the draft capital they picked up for next offseason. General Manager Dave Gettleman stated in his press conference after the first round that the team was prioritizing picks in 2022 due to this year’s draft being a weird draft class because of COVID.
The Giants also picked up several players in the 2021 NFL Draft who will make an impact next year starting with their first-round selection of wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Toney should give the Giants a playmaker on offense and be someone who can be a good slot receiver. The other picks who could make an impact for the team include second-round pick Azeez Ojulari and fourth-rounder Elerson Smith.