2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams
60. Scouting Report. NFC North. Minnesota Vikings. player. Pick Analysis. .
1 (23): Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
The Vikings traded down to recoup some day two selections that were lost in the Yannick Ngakoue trade, and still managed to get a left tackle that fits their offensive philosophy perfectly. Darrisaw is a tremendous athlete who can make blocks out in space, something he’ll be tasked with plenty in Minnesota.
3 (66): Kellen Mond, QB, Texas A&M
Stylistically quite the opposite of Kirk Cousins, Mond is an athletic option with a huge arm who could push for the starting job by 2022.
3 (78): Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
A converted quarterback who loaded up the stat sheet at North Carolina, the sky is the limit for Surratt as a blitzer, in coverage, and against the run. He has shown excellent playmaking instincts in his short time as a linebacker.
3 (86): Wyatt Davis, IOL, Ohio State
Once considered possibly the best interior offensive lineman in this class, Wyatt Davis is a steal for the Vikings here in the third round. He was a two-time first-team All-American at the right guard position for Ohio State and both he and Christian Darrisaw should be immediate starters for the Vikings if healthy.
3 (90): Patrick Jones, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Jones is not a twitchy athlete off the edge but he was extremely productive for Pitt, racking up 34.5 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and nine passes defensed in three seasons. This pick filled a significant need for the Vikings as well, so it will be interesting to see how quickly Jones makes an impact.
4 (119): Kene Nwangwu, RB, Iowa State
An upside play early on day three, Nwangwu could be better in the pros than he was at Iowa State. He has an impressive combination of size, strength, and speed.
4 (125): Camryn Bynum, DB, California
The Vikings announced this pick as a safety, so perhaps Bynum will be their answer to losing Anthony Harris in free agency. He had 35 pass breakups and six interceptions in his four years at Cal.
4 (134): Janarius Robinson, EDGE, Florida State
Built with tremendous length and burst off the edge, Robinson has intriguing upside if he can develop a full arsenal of pass rush moves. He led Florida State in tackles for loss each of the past two seasons.
5 (157): Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Iowa
The quarterback play at Iowa drove Smith-Marsette’s value down, but he’s a speedy playmaker the Vikings can also use as a return specialist. This is a tremendous value pick in a deep class of receivers.
5 (168): Zach Davidson, TE, Central Missouri
One of the most fascinating players in the draft, the small school tight end was a touchdown machine and Central Missouri’s full-time punter. He showed out athletically at his pro day as well, so he will be a fun story to follow.
6 (199): Jalen Twyman, DL, Pittsburgh
Athletically, Twyman just doesn’t have what you look for in an NFL defensive lineman. Still, the fit in Minnesota is intriguing especially paired up with his former Pitt teammate Patrick Jones.