2021 Vikings Draft Evaluation

The 2021 NFL Draft took place in Cleveland, Ohio this past weekend. The Vikings made some minor splashes, but mainly filling desperate needs on the offensive line and in the defense. I am going to evaluate each pick and give a draft grade.

Round 1, Pick 23 (From NYJ for #14 overall): OT Christian Darrisaw (Virginia Tech)
The Vikings traded down to get Darrisaw, and I do believe it was the right move. They didn't want any of the top 5 quarterbacks, especially the only one left, so they moved back. They did end up nabbing the lineman I think they wanted all along. 
Darrisaw is a very strong tackle and should serve the Vikings' need on the offensive line on day 1. 

Round 3, Pick 2 (From NYJ for #14 overall): QB Kellen Mond (Texas A&M)
One of my hopes for this year's draft was to see the Vikes draft the QB of the future. But not the instant future, the more distant future with Cousins not getting any younger. With this pick it appears the Vikings are trying out my plan to potentially train in Kirk's successor. He is a strong QB that needs some polishing to adjust to the pro level. But odds are he will sit on the bench for most of the next two seasons. Still very exciting!

Round 3, Pick 15: ILB Chazz Surratt (North Carolina)
The Vikings filled another glaring need here in the secondary. With Eric Wilson heading out, the Vikings needed another linebacker and they got one here. Not really much else to say.

Round 3, Pick 23 (From NYJ for #14 overall): OG Wyatt Davis (Ohio State)
Another lineman for Zimmer and Co. It is good that Spielman and Zimmer realised their biggest flaw is their offensive line. Its the first time in a while I can remember the Vikings drafting multiple offensive linemen in the first 3 rounds. He should fit in well eventually.

Round 3, Pick 27 (From BAL): DE Patrick Jones II (Pittsburgh)
Another edge rusher to add the collection in Minnesota. From what I hear Patrick is a great athlete and should fit well in the land of 10,000 lakes.

Round 4, Pick 14: RB Kene Nwangwu (Iowa State)
This pick makes me scratch my head. I am not quite sure why we had to draft a running back in the 4th round. Overall Kene will fit into the Vikings offense in Mike Boone's role since he is headed off to Denver. As long as the goal was not to challenge Dalvin Cook this should work out. 

Round 4, Pick 20 (From CHI): CB Camryn Bynum (California)
Zimmer loves his cornerbacks, so Camryn should be no different. He comes from a decent Cal team so he should become acquainted with the Vikings defense pretty quickly.

Round 4, Pick 29 (From BUF): DE Janarius Robinson (Florida State)
Yet another edge rusher from Zimmer and Spielman. I have heard high things of Florida State products, especially considering our star running back is a former Florida State alumni.

Round 5, Pick 13: WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (Iowa)
I have been hearing quite the chatter that the Vikings may have a candidate for another great 5th round wide receiver! On the broadcast today many analysts were comparing Ihmir to Stefon Diggs, which could be awesome without the attitude! I have also heard he could be a great assistance to the return game.

Round 5, Pick 24 (From BAL): TE Zach Davidson (Central Missouri)
Minnesota makes it another year drafting a tight end, Zach will most likely go to the practice squad since we have quite a few tight ends at the moment.

Round 6, Pick 15: DT Jaylen Twyman (Pittsburgh)
Spielman adds more depth the young Vikings defensive front. He should work out well after some work around our defense.

Overall I give the Vikings an A- for this draft! They filled all the needs I can see that are extremely obvious and they also fulfilled a wish list item in Kellen Mond. I am excited to see where these guys go with the Vikings!

Tune back in to this website in just under 2 weeks when I review the Vikings 2021 Schedule release! NFL Network and ESPN will be broadcasting a reveal show on Wednesday, May 12th.

​#Skol