How did the Minnesota Vikings moves during the first wave of free agency affect their needs for the 2021 NFL Draft?
The Minnesota Vikings went into free agency with very little cap space. Through some tough cuts and contract negotiations, they were able to create some room which allowed them to bring in some veteran help.
The Vikings filled their need at defensive tackle bringing in former New York Giants defender Dalvin Tomlinson to be the disruptive three-technique on their front line for next season. Not only will he be busting through the interior of opposing offensive lines, screwing up the timing of their plays, but he’s a stout run defender, who, when paired with Michael Pierce, will be basically impossible to run against.
Minnesota also brought in all-time great cornerback Patrick Peterson. He’ll bring a veteran presence to the team’s cornerback group and he will be a huge help to the development of young players like Cameron Dantzler and Jeff Gladney.
The Vikings also signed linebacker Nick Vigil, who will compete to start, and they were able to re-sign offensive tackle Rashod Hill and wide receiver Chad Beebe.
These signings helped to fill some holes on Minnesota’s roster and they shuffled the team’s needs for the upcoming NFL Draft. Here’s a ranking of the Vikings’ biggest draft needs after this year’s first wave of free agency.