4 prospects the Vikings might trade up for in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Justin Fields – QB (Ohio State)
If the Vikings want to be a little bolder with a potential trade-up in the 2021 NFL Draft, then they might look to land a possible long-term replacement for Kirk Cousins.
Cousins got a vote of confidence from head coach Mike Zimmer this week amid speculation surrounding a trade to the San Francisco 49ers, but exploring the possibility of a top signal-caller from the latest batch of college recruits is not out of the question.
There is an unfair stigma surrounding Justin Fields, which stems from the recent lack of production from Ohio State quarterbacks at the next level. However, the player looks to have a far better skill set than those who have gone before him in recent years and it would be a huge shock if his name wasn’t one of the first called.
Fields did struggle in the National Championship game against a formidable Alabama defense. But his overall impact for the Buckeyes in his final season was outstanding. He is an accurate thrower who gets out on the move extremely well, which is something that could open up the Vikings’ playbook given that Cousins is more of a pocket passer.
Landing someone with the upside of Fields would be a huge coup for the Vikings, although it would come at a substantial cost even if the prospect makes it past the Carolina Panthers at No. 8 overall. However, there wouldn’t be a great deal of pressure on him to start right away if Cousins is still on the roster, which is another huge benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked.