Third Round (Pick No. 78)
Jevon Holland – S (Oregon)
The Vikings can expect a much better showing from the secondary than what they got last year as their cornerbacks will get a full offseason to improve and the pass rush will take a step up from 2020. With Danielle Hunter, Michael Pierce, and Dalvin Tomlinson joining the defensive line, things are sure to be better for the secondary.
Losing Anthony Harris may hurt Minnesota on paper, but they still have a very good safety in Harrison Smith, and they can find his partner in this year’s draft class. Jevon Holland falling into their laps at pick No. 78 is almost too good to be true.
If he is on the board in the third round, the Vikings have to jump at the bit and get him in the building. Holland is a defensive chess piece that can make an impact from the slot, as a deep safety, or coming down to stop the run. He stands out on tape and is my top-ranked safety in this class.
Holland could be a seamless replacement for Harris and would be the leader in the clubhouse to take that starting spot from Day 1. He could also emerge as the eventual Harrison Smith replacement a few years down the road.
Minnesota will probably pull the trigger on a safety at some point in the draft, even if they sign someone in free agency, with the goal of having competition in training camp. Remember, Harris was an undrafted free agent who had to earn his playing time in the offseason.