Vikings Draft 2021: Three-round all defense mock draft
By Adam Carlson
Third Round (Pick No. 91)
Osa Odighizuwa, DT (UCLA)
The Minnesota Vikings love Shamar Stephen and may choose to keep him on the roster for the 2021 NFL season. On the other hand, releasing the disappointing defensive tackle could save the team $3.75M according to Spotrac and allow the team to look for a replacement that can be effective in that role.
If the Vikings do move on from Stephen, Osa Odighizuwa could be a realistic target to fill that gap. His sack numbers aren’t amazing since his season-high with UCLA was four, but he steadily increased his quarterback takedown numbers with each passing year while never having less than 5.5 tackles for a loss through each campaign.
At six-foot-two and 279 pounds, Odighizuwa will need to prove he won’t get pushed around at the NFL level. However, he does not lack power and explosiveness as well as a low center of gravity to help him win battles in the trenches.
Putting him next to Michael Pierce on the defensive line would be a great way to help him as he adjusts to the NFL level and would allow him to have more freedom to learn at a comfortable pace.
Which defensive prospects do you have your eyes on from the 2021 NFL Draft? And who would you like to see the Minnesota Vikings draft with their first three selections? Let us know in the comments section!