Wrapping up the 2021 NFL draft, the Vikings finish with a large haul of rookies to show in the Minnesota Vikings 2021 NFL Drat review. Immediately making noise in the first round, general manager Rick Spielman attacked other teams’ needs, stockpiling picks when he could. This advantageous approach netted the Vikings a total of eleven picks throughout the seven round affair. Desperate to repair a defense that failed to meet expectations, Minnesota also looked to address a line that had problems keeping Kirk Cousins upright. With much appeal throughout the crowded Viking draft class, Minnesota looks to turn it around in 2021 with these selections:
- First Round, 23rd Overall, Christian Darrisaw, tackle, Virginia Tech
- Third Round, 66th Overall, Kellen Mond, quarterback, Texas A&M
- Third Round, 78th Overall, Chazz Surratt, linebacker, North Carolina
- Third Round, 86th Overall. Wyatt Davis, guard, Ohio State
- Third Round, 90th Overall, Patrick Jones II, defensive end, Pittsburgh
- Fourth Round, 119th Overall, Kene Nwangwu, running back, Iowa State
- Fourth Round, 125th Overall, Camryn Bynum, cornerback, California
- Fourth Round, 134th Overall, Janarious Robinson, defensive end, Florida State
- Fifth Round, 157th Overall, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, wide receiver, Iowa
- Fifth Round, 168th Overall, Zach Davidson, tight end, Central Missouri
- Sixth Round, 199th Overall, Jaylen Twyman, defensive tackle, Pittsburgh
Minnesota Vikings 2021 NFL Draft Review Grade: 8/10
Minnesota Vikings 2021 NFL Draft Review
The Best Player: Christian Darrisaw
With Darrisaw still available at 14th overall, the Vikings boldly traded back with the New York Jets at 23rd. This turned into a massive haul for the Vikings, netting them four third round picks. After a frenzy for players between 14th and 23rd, Darrisaw was still sitting in Minnesota’s face when they were on the clock again. A lineman for Kirk Cousins was something they could not resist the second time around.
Darrisaw came into this draft slated to be the third lineman off the board, per most experts. With other teams moving up to get skill positions or their players of desire, Minnesota had a large, fundamental tackle fall into their lap in the middle of round one. Dalvin Cook can also breathe easier, as the running back will have a lighter load to carry with Darrisaw in town. Look for Minnesota to shift their current depth on the line around as the Virginia Tech rookie can play both tackle spots.
Darrisaw looks to stand out in a rookie class that was thick at his position. Being a road-grader for a top five back and top 15 quarterback should bode well for Darrisaw who has the tools for a long career at the NFL level. He may not have off the chart measurables or athleticism, but he makes up for it in every other aspect of his game. A technically gifted pass blocker was just what the doctor ordered for the Minnesota Vikings and their fans alike.
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The Head Scratcher: Janarius Robinson
This selection is for a few reasons head-scratching, but mostly due to Minnesota already addressing this position earlier in the draft. Usually when teams draft a position multiple times, the players differ in skill set. This does not seem to be true when drafting Robinson after Patrick Jones II. It’s clear that Minnesota looked to add pass rushers to their depth chart, but two similar ones leaves room for wonder.
With measurables off the charts, the Florida State product had the raw talent to succeed at the next level. The main concern with his college career was how little his play translated into production. Speed and size will help Robinson in the NFL, but behind players like Danielle Hunter, Dalvin Tomlinson, and the previously mentioned Patrick Jones II, it may seem that Robinson may get lost in the pack. Conversely, come camp time, Robinson could use his pure athleticism to woo coaches and rise up the depth chart.
Coach Mike Zimmer usually fancies tacticians and Robinson just does not fit that mould. Being defensive minded, Zimmer may see the high ceiling as just a season or two of coaching away. The double down investment is puzzling nonetheless.
The Surprise: Kellen Mond
Quarterbacks were almost sure to go in round three, but where they would land was anybody’s guess. Minnesota struck early in the round, and grabbed a possible heir to Kirk Cousins. Cousins has received a contract that says he is the guy in Minnesota, but another year not reaching the Super Bowl or putting up huge numbers may have Zimmer thinking twice. Eyebrows may have raised when Mond was selected by Minnesota, but the choice may have raised questions in Minnesota as well.
Kellen Mond had a college career that was quietly productive, improving his draft stock. Amassing 9,000 yards through the air, and over 1,500 while at Texas A&M, Mond could bring a new era of quarterback play to Minnesota. His dual threat style is something Minnesota has missed since the days of Daunte Culpepper. The speed on offense would definitely create new options for the Vikings young offense.
Kirk Cousins should not be too worried about losing the starting job to Mond just yet and instead should look to mentor the former Aggie. Mike Zimmer may be playing the long term game grabbing Mond with his second selection in this draft. However, if relations with Cousins start to go south drastically at any point, Mond could be a quick turnaround. The makings for an interesting quarterback conversation are now in the Minnesota locker room.
The Steal: Wyatt Davis
This could also be Christian Darrisaw, as Minnesota traded back and still managed to get him. However, Wyatt Davis was a large value at 86th as well. The Ohio State guard was on many draft boards in the top 50. His fall out of such could be attributed to a thick offensive line class. It’s hard to understand how another club didn’t find Davis of value, but Minnesota addressed a huge need with this selection. All the parameters concerning this pick make for a definitive steal.
A power blocking guard, Davis entered the 2021 NFL draft as a premier option at his position. His tenure at Ohio State managed to only work in his favor, as he helped produce two College Playoff berths. His tape against elite talent shines. Addressing the line was a huge priority for Spielman, and he does so loudly in round one and quietly here in round three. Both players however, are prepared to make all the noise on that Vikings line come the 2021 season.
Most Likely to Turn Heads During Training Camp: Kene Nwangwu
Almost landing in the head scratcher category, Nwangwu comes to a deep running back room, but has all the tools to impress. Dalvin Cook will assuredly shoulder the load, but when resting, look for Zimmer to include the former Iowa State back in screens and outside run packages. Nwangwu’s speed and work on special teams generated buzz to raise his stock and more of the same could only attract attention at camp.
Kene Nwangwu does not check every box for a running back in the NFL just yet, but the potential is there. Sitting behind talented players like David Montgomery in school had Nwangwu only getting limited touches. With an increased role, Nwangwu could impress coaches with his blazing speed and elusiveness. Success in his reps at camp could land him a starting special teams job and maybe Cook’s backup as well.
The Rest
One of the four selections in round three, Chazz Surratt is an intriguing prospect. A former quarterback, Surratt brings an offensive perspective to the Vikings linebacking corps. A unit already loaded with talent and size, Surratt will have to use that knowledge as a signal caller to his advantage to standout. His solid tackling is a product of his high football IQ as well.
Defensive end Patrick Jones II is a nice addition to pair with Danielle Hunter, who returns from injury this season. More pressure on opposing quarterbacks is never a bad thing in the NFL. Jones II is a high character, high motor lineman who can contribute on the edge. Addressing another defensive need, secondary specialist Camryn Bynum adds versatility to the Vikings. A presence at single high safety, off press corner, and in the nickel position, Bynum can do it all at a physical level. Losing Anthony Harris to the Cleveland Browns, Bynum fills the void left over.
Pass catcher Ihmir Smith-Marsette joins a deep receiving corps. His smaller stature may not help in making the first team roster, but special teams could be where he lands. A shifty, agile receiver, Smith-Marsette is a solid flex option as depth.
Central Missouri’s Zach Davidson brings another pass catching tight end to Minnesota. Behind Irv Smith Jr, Davidson looks to snag a few passes himself in 2021. Lastly, in possibly the thinnest defensive tackle class ever, Minnesota landed Jaylen Twyman. The big man brings a similar power and toughness to the position like that of newly acquired Davin Tomlinson.
Mike Zimmer has chosen to create a culture and stick to it. The Minnesota draft class of 2021 seems to be more of that culture building process, creating massive anticipation for the 2021 season.
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