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

Christian Barmore – DT (Alabama)

There’s no doubt that Christian Barmore would fill a major need on the Vikings. They haven’t had a solid interior disruptor playing inside since Sheldon Richardson’s brief stint with the team. They need to create pressure up front, and with his blend of power, burst, and athleticism Barmore would be a great fit.

There’s plenty of mock drafts out there that have Barmore going to the Vikings at pick 14, and it’s safe to say that many Vikings fans would be happy with that choice. The dude has been ultra-productive in his career with 10 sacks, and 15.5 tackles for a loss. While it makes sense as far as needs, and his strengths go, taking Barmore flat out at 14 is just a bit too early.

Barmore simply isn’t the 14th best player in this draft. Daniel Jeremiah has him ranked as the 37th best player in this class, and there are plenty of others who have him listed in that thirty range. The Minnesota Vikings could very well trade back and still get this guy who’d fill a major need and have a big impact in his rookie season. Barmore could be the Vikings’ choice in the first round, but if they aren’t able to move down a bit and accumulate extra picks in the process, it could and should be deemed a reach if they take him at 14.