Vikings Draft 2021: Three-round all offense mock draft

Third Round (Pick No. 79)

Ben Cleveland – OG (Georgia)

If this mock draft was based on needs, the first-round pick would have been a guard. The Vikings were getting abysmal play from their interior linemen during the 2020 NFL season, especially when it comes to keeping defenders from getting after Kirk Cousins.

The purple and gold don’t have a second-round pick after using it as part of a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire Yannick Ngakoue. Fortunately for the Vikings, this is a rather deep class of offensive linemen, and waiting until the third round doesn’t mean they will miss out on a talented player.

Ben Cleveland doesn’t lack confidence or strength. The mohawked mountain of a man is looking forward to the Georgia pro day, where he hopes to crush the record for bench press reps. After watching the 6-foot-6, 335-pound lineman play, it seems like a real possibility that he could accomplish such a feat.

There is no doubt that Cleveland is an ideal NFL right guard but could be an interesting prospect on the left side as well. His run blocking is exceptionally strong and defenders have a tough time getting through him as a pass protector. His struggles with lateral movement could be a weakness, but not one that would keep him from being picked by the Vikings if he is available in the third round.