4 ways being in win-now mode changes the Vikings 2021 draft approach
By Nik Edlund
How will the approach of the Minnesota Vikings be different in the 2021 NFL Draft?
The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2020 season with high hopes. They made it to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs in 2019, so with some new faces on offense in addition to an exciting young cornerback group, they were expected to go even deeper into the postseason in 2020.
However, things went south quickly for the Vikings as they lost some key players to injuries and they started out the year with a 1-5 record. Minnesota was able to battle back and finish with a record of 7-9, but that mark was far below their expectations heading into the season.
If the Vikings struggle again in 2021, chances are very high that both head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman won’t be back with the team for the 2022 season.
For 2021, Minnesota is in a win-now mode. They will likely have to make it far into the playoffs and potentially even to the Super Bowl if they are going to continue with Zimmer and Spielman leading the way.
Since the Vikings are now in a win-now mode, it is probably going to change how they approach the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
During the draft, Minnesota may do a few things differently as they try to put together the best roster that will give them the quickest path to success in the 2021 season. So what are some of the ways the win-now approach will change the Vikings’ draft strategy for this year?