4 ways being in win-now mode changes the Vikings 2021 draft approach

Improving the defense will be pushed to the forefront

In 2020, the Vikings’ defense was atrocious. They ranked 27th in the NFL in yards allowed while also surrendering nearly 30 points a contest. For a head coach in Mike Zimmer who is considered a defensive guru, this was unacceptable.

There were plenty of reasons for Minnesota’s struggles on defense though. They were rolling with a young and inexperienced secondary, they couldn’t get any pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and they dealt with a number of serious injuries to the front seven.

These issues compounded the problem and the defense had to rely on inexperienced players, as well as guys that were still getting familiar with the Vikings’ defensive schemes on the fly, and players who were forced into starting jobs for the first time in their pro career.

Zimmer and Rick Spielman know the quickest way to fix the team is to improve the defense. Since Minnesota has to win now, expect them to use the majority of their early picks in this year’s draft looking to improve the defensive side of the football.

The Vikings will likely use the No. 14 pick on a player that can create pressure up front. This selection could be in the form of an edge rusher like Miami’s Gregory Rousseau or Michigan’s Kwity Paye, or even an interior disruptor like Alabama’s Christian Barmore.

Minnesota will likely be in the market for a starting safety as well and one of their third-round picks will probably be used for this need. The Vikings currently have three fourth-round choices and they should continue to address the defense with those, with another defensive lineman and more help on the back end.

Minnesota’s defense is the biggest issue for this team heading into the draft, and if they want to get back into the playoff picture next season, fixing it through the draft will be the top focus.