4 questions the Vikings must answer before the 2021 NFL Draft

Will Harris leave in free agency?

Anthony Harris has been a very good player for the Vikings and he has earned himself a big contract with his play on the field. The question is if that payday will come from Minnesota or not?

The Vikings are expected to be strapped for cash this offseason as they’ve elected to extend players like Kyle Rudolph, Kirk Cousins, and Anthony Barr in the recent past. The fact that Minnesota didn’t choose to give Harris more money a few years back is telling and it might signify that the team is ready to move on from their starting safety.

If that’s the case, Minnesota will probably need to use multiple picks at the safety position in the 2021 NFL Draft. Not only would they likely need to find a starter, but they’ll also need to fill out the depth chart.

Josh Metellus is expected to return to the Vikings in 2021 after a rookie season where he saw mostly special teams duty. Minnesota also has other young safeties like Myles Dorn and Luther Kirk, but they are both longshots to make the team this year, let alone see actual playing time.

The Vikings probably won’t find a safety worth taking with the 14th pick in the 2021 draft, but if they trade down to the backend of the first round, they might consider taking one then. Minnesota will likely use multiple mid-round picks on this position if Harris does indeed leave for another team.

5 players rising up the Vikings draft board after the 2021 Senior Bowl

Which prospects are moving up the draft board of the Minnesota Vikings following their performance during the 2021 Senior Bowl?

If the Vikings have already decided on Harris’ fate for 2021, hopefully, they have been heavily scouting the defensive back prospects who best fit into Mike Zimmer’s defensive system.