5 college opt-outs who would be good fits for the Vikings in 2021

Gregory Rousseau – Miami (DE)

Gregory Rousseau is a top-five pick according to many draft sites out there. But there are some representatives close to the NFL who believe he may not be that high of a pick after all.

While that might be a surprise to many and news that some don’t want to believe, it is possible that Rousseau could end up being available later in the first round of the 2021 draft than most might expect.

In reality, there is a lot of intrigue in Rousseau’s game. He’s a tall, long, and versatile piece that a team can plug just about anywhere on defense.

He can play up the middle as a nose guard or he can rush from a 5-tech position. He has a hot motor that’s always running at 110 percent. His hands are active and he shows good strength.

So why do some claim to not be as high on him as others? He’s still raw as he’s a redshirt-sophomore that only played 14 games in his college career.

Danielle Hunter is the clear No. 1 guy on the Vikings defensive line since Everson Griffen is getting up there in age and has yet to find a new home. Pairing Hunter with someone like Rousseau would be devastating to opposing offensive lines.

It might be wishful thinking that he falls. But if what is being said around the league ends up being true and he becomes available towards the end of the first round, landing a guy like Rousseau would be huge for Minnesota.