Vikings Draft 2021: Midseason four-round mock draft
By Dean Jones
Third-Round Pick No. 1
Jaylen Twyman – DT (Pittsburgh)
Another area that the Vikings could use a young, exciting prospect is at defensive tackle. Minnesota has missed Linval Joseph a tremendous amount this season after he left in favor of a free agency move to the Los Angeles Chargers and Jaylen Twyman is a high-value pick if he’s still available in the third round.
The dominant lineman possesses some eye-catching athletic traits that are sure to go down well in the pros. Twyman impacts running situations well and he has a rare ability to get after the quarterback from the interior.
Pass-rushing defensive tackles are always in high demand across the NFL. Twyman definitely fits the bill and his upside is something worth taking a chance on.
Third-Round Pick No. 2
No. 90: Paris Ford – S (Pittsburgh)
With their second pick in the third round, the Vikings go with a second player from Pittsburgh. Minnesota will probably go their separate ways from Anthony Harris next spring after initially deciding to put the franchise tag on the safety this past offseason.
If Harris departs as expected, the Vikings need a young prospect to put alongside prolific veteran Harrison Smith. Paris Ford is an athletic ballhawk that might still be a little rough around the edges, but he fits the mold of secondary players Minnesota has looked for in recent seasons.