Vikings Draft 2021: Post-Super Bowl four-round mock draft
By Dean Jones
Fourth Round (Pick No. 126)
Jaylen Twyman – DT (Pittsburgh)
Linval Joseph’s presence on the interior defensive line was sorely missed by the Vikings in 2020. This should be one of Minnesota’s top priorities during the offseason even with Michael Pierce returning to the fold after opting out of the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19 health concerns, which will be a major boost in no uncertain terms.
A prospect like Jaylen Twyman comes with tremendous upside and he might even go higher than the fourth round once the evaluation process comes to a conclusion.
The versatile defensive lineman was a force to be reckoned with during his time at Pittsburgh. But not participating in the 2020 season seems to have made him a relative afterthought.
This could mean somebody is going to get a real steal with Twyman, who specializes in getting pressure, and it’s something he does extremely well. The prospect recorded 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in 2019 to announce himself on the national stage, with the potential for further growth once he gets to the next level there for all to see.
If Twyman can become more consistent on running downs, then the sky is the limit. Putting him alongside Pierce could give the Vikings an exceptionally productive duo that will give the team’s hopes of a playoff return a huge shot in the arm.