Vikings Draft 2021: Three-round all offense mock draft

First Round (No. 14 overall)

DeVonta Smith – WR (Alabama)

Wide receiver isn’t the biggest need for the Vikings, but having an elite-level talent likely to slide down the board would force the team to make DeVonta Smith their selection if he happens to be available at pick No. 14.

The top of the draft this year will be a train wreck of teams attempting to leapfrog each other to get quarterbacks. Those QB needy teams that miss out on landing a top passer during free agency or through trade will be working hard to get their pick. Meanwhile, the top offensive tackles and defenders will go early as well, making way for Smith to be a possible pick.

Nobody thought Justin Jefferson would be on the clock for Minnesota during the 2020 NFL Draft, yet he was, and the Vikings didn’t hesitate to draft him. Passing on Smith if he is available at pick No. 14 would be a massive mistake considering the receivers the team has past Jefferson and Thielen.

Smith has slid behind Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle in the eyes of many experts. However, the 2020 AP College Football Player of the Year and Heisman Trophy winner has the physical gifts and resume of a top 5 pick.

When looking at his final two years at Alabama, it’s hard not to fall in love with Smith’s production. In those 26 games, he racked up 185 catches for 3,112 yards and 37 receiving touchdowns. Kirk Cousins and the Vikings should be able to move the ball through the air with ease if they have Smith, Thielen, and Jefferson to keep defenses honest.