5 prospects in play if the Vikings trade down in the first round

(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) Rashod Bateman
(Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) Rashod Bateman
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Christian Barmore

Which prospects could the Minnesota Vikings be looking at if they move down from pick No. 14 in this year’s NFL Draft?

The Minnesota Vikings finished with a 7-9 record in 2020 and that substandard mark garnered them the 14th choice in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Vikings have a lot of needs they could choose to address with that pick.

They need an edge rusher, a penetrating defensive tackle, a safety, and help at the guard position. The team doesn’t have a second-round choice due to the Yannick Ngakoue trade and that could cause them to be more willing to slide back in the first round to get that pick back.

If that does happen, there will be a plethora of players on the board who could fill some of the team’s biggest needs.

While everyone is currently focusing on players like Gregory Rousseau, Kwity Paye, and Alijah Vera-Tucker who could all be options with the 14th choice, it may be time to get familiar with some names the Vikings could select if they do slide back in the first round.

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