Vikings Draft 2021: Midseason four-round mock draft
By Dean Jones
Fourth-Round Pick No. 1
Anthony Schwartz – WR (Auburn)
Justin Jefferson has superstar written all over him. The Vikings are already fully vindicated for taking him in the first round this year after a sensational start to his life in the NFL. But Minnesota will need another piece in the passing game to potentially get them over the hump in the future.
Adam Thielen is still performing at a high level. But the lack of involvement from Bisi Johnson makes the Vikings’ need for a No. 3 wideout more pressing than ever.
One prospect who might be a good scheme fit is Anthony Schwartz, who is equally as effective in the slot or on the outside. He is lightning fast out of his cuts and the wideout also has a physicality that is sure to catch Mike Zimmer’s eye during the evaluation process.
Fourth-Round Pick No. 2
Shaka Toney – EDGE (Penn State)
The Yannick Ngakoue trade didn’t work out, which is fine. But that does not detract from Minnesota’s need for another starting-caliber pass-rusher given the concerns surrounding Danielle Hunter’s long-term health.
Shaka Toney is an explosive player in a similar mold to Yetur Gross-Matos, a former Penn State rusher who was taken by the Carolina Panthers at No. 38 overall in 2020.
While Toney doesn’t have the same sort of size, he is extremely quick off the line of scrimmage. If he adds some muscle to his body in readiness for the next level, it could make his transition a lot smoother.
Fourth-Round Pick No. 3
Tyler Vrabel – OT (Boston College)
It remains to be seen whether veteran left tackle Riley Reiff will remain with the Vikings in 2021. While he has performed well, for the most part, this season, some tough decisions need to be made regarding trimming the wage bill to help Minnesota get themselves under a possible reduced salary cap next year.
Tyler Vrabel burst onto the scene with an outstanding 2019 campaign at Boston College. He does have some problems that need to be worked out regarding technique, but the prospect is a renowned hard worker who can be easily coached up if the Vikings choose to go in this direction.