4 guard prospects the Vikings should already be thinking about

Deonte Brown (Alabama)

The Vikings offense survives by running the ball and Deonte Brown is the guy who can make that happen. He’s an aggressive run blocker who leads the way for one of the best rushing attacks in the nation at Alabama.

Measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 338 pounds, Brown is a massive anchor on the offensive line who can still move his body into space and impale would-be tacklers. He dominates in the run game and he does enough as a pass protector to start from Day 1 at the next level.

Brown has never played anywhere but guard in college, which is a bit concerning. But it also shows just how reliable he has been at his spot. The Vikings need stability up front and Brown looks to be someone who can make that happen.

Brown probably won’t be selected within the first 50 picks in the 2021 draft, mostly because he has not shown flexibility at his position, but he is still a very good interior blocker. Minnesota could reasonably target him at the top of the third round if they’re really interested in him.

The Vikings will have options in 2021 if they want to take a guard early in the draft. These guys make the early watch list, but there are more guys behind them who could still make an impact right out of the gate.