Fourth Round (Pick No. 119)
Sadarius Hutcherson – IOL (South Carolina)
Now things start to get very interesting for the Vikings. They have four picks in the fourth round and they can add depth across the board if they wish.
It’s no secret that Minnesota needs to find help along the interior of the offensive line, especially at left guard. Ezra Cleveland looked good enough at right guard in 2020 to get another crack at it next season before his expected move to tackle.
Sadarius Hutcherson is a powerful lineman who can be developed into a special run blocker. He does not have a lot of length, but he has the power and frame to be a project on the interior. At this point, the Vikings have to consider everyone.
Fourth Round (Pick No. 125)
Shi Smith – WR (South Carolina)
Here is one of my favorite mid-round picks for Minnesota. Yes, the team’s passing attack was excellent last season once Justin Jefferson emerged. However, relying on Bisi Johnson or Chad Beebe to be the third receiver is not something the Vikings should plan on once next season.
Shi Smith emerged as a threat in the South Carolina offense last season and should be a nice player in the NFL.
Smith does not have a ton of size, but he is tough as nails through traffic, showing he can catch through contact. He also attacks the ball in the air and creates after the catch.
Having someone who can replicate what Deebo Samuel does for the San Francisco 49ers (which is similar to how he was used at South Carolina, the same school as Samuel) would give Minnesota another dynamic option in their offense.