5 prospects the Vikings could reach for with their 2021 first-round pick

Jalen Mayfield – OL (Michigan)

This is another player who the Vikings could reach for based on a projected scheme fit. Rick Spielman loves his athletic offensive linemen and Mayfield oozes that very thing from every pore of his body. He is also super versatile and is seen as a player who could play both left and right tackle as well as kick inside to guard.

The Vikings could go the same route with Mayfield as they did with Ezra Cleveland a season ago. They could start him out at left guard in year one and then have him and Cleveland compete for the left tackle job once Riley Reiff is gone. There is no doubt that taking this guy would improve an area of weakness for the team and would potentially give them the best offensive line they’ve had in years.

As athletically and physically gifted as Mayfield is taking him at 14 would be a major reach. First of all, his impact in year one would be minimal. The offensive line was a mess a season ago but the team still managed to put up nearly 30 points a game. Another reason why taking Mayfield at 14 would be a stretch is that he has just 15 starts in his collegiate career. He’s very raw and the Vikings would be taking a huge leap of faith on his potential by choosing him in the top 15.