The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings Draft 2021: Way-too-early watch list

By Luke Parrish

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 28: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers runs the ball after a reception during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 28, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 28: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers runs the ball after a reception during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 28, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) Shaun Wade /

Shaun Wade – CB (Ohio State)

There were several mock drafts near the end of the 2019 season that placed Shaun Wade to the Vikings in the first round. Instead, the Buckeye cornerback returned to school for his redshirt-junior season. Ohio State has produced a ton of NFL talent in the secondary and Wade is just the next in line.

Wade possesses all of the tools and traits to be a star corner in the NFL. He is 6-foot-1, 191 pounds, and he plays with speed on the outside to match his receivers. He will enter the 2020 season as the nation’s top prospect at the position after surprisingly passing up first-round talk this year.

In 2019, Wade defended seven passes and recorded an interception in 11 games. His ability to tackle will stand out, as he had four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles last season. He does a little bit of everything and he is already ahead of schedule as a pro prospect.

Mike Zimmer, as we all know, is not shy about drafting cornerbacks early and often. If Minnesota needs to move up for a player like Wade in the first round, it may be worthwhile in 2021.

However, they may have some options at the end of the first round if they want to go cornerback then instead.

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