Which positions will the Minnesota Vikings not be targeting in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft following their additions in free agency?
The Minnesota Vikings entered free agency without a ton of spending room. But Rick Spielman and Rob Brzezinski worked their magic and created enough space for the team to bring in some pretty big names.
These players filled some need areas for the Vikings, giving them a much clearer idea of how they may use the fourteenth overall choice in this year’s draft. They could still address needs at guard and offensive tackle.
Minnesota could also add a pass rusher who could potentially start opposite Danielle Hunter or bring in a safety to start opposite Harrison Smith. The Vikings could even get a little nutty and go with a receiver if one of those top three slides down the board.
While many needs and positions are still in play, some are definitely not going to be considered anymore with that first-round choice. Minnesota spent money on these areas, and with the talent already on the roster, the chances of the team using their first pick on them are basically zero percent.
What are some of the positions the Minnesota Vikings won’t be targeting in the first round of this year’s NFL draft because of their moves during the first wave of free agency?
Cornerback
The Vikings shocked the world when they agreed to terms with future Hall of Famer cornerback Patrick Peterson. Peterson may not be the same player on the field as he once was. Still, he brings veteran leadership to a very young group of corners. His presence and knowledge will fast-track the development of Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler, Harrison Hand, and even Kris Boyd. The Vikings apparently weren’t done upgrading this position, as they brought back one of their own in Mackensie Alexander.
While Mike Hughes’ future is up in the air, Minnesota has more than enough talent on the roster to not use their first-round pick on this position, even if he doesn’t come back.
As mentioned above, the Vikings have Gladney, Dantzler, Hand, and Boyd already on the roster. Gladney was a first-round pick a season ago and Dantzler was a third-round choice. Adding Peterson and Alexander to the mix gives Minnesota four solid starting-caliber corners with high upside young backups.
It will be tough for Mike Zimmer to pass on prospects like Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn if either falls to pick No. 14, but the smart decision will be to hold off. The Vikings need to use that pick to fill a need area like defensive end or the offensive line, and not address a position they are already rich at.
Linebacker
Linebacker wasn’t a huge need for the Minnesota Vikings before the start of free agency, and it sure isn’t after the first wave concluded. The team got Anthony Barr back, and while there was some thought they could flat out cut him, they ended up restructuring his contract, getting their strong side linebacker back on the field for 2021.
Next to Barr on the inside is, of course, Eric Kendricks, who is still underrated league-wide but is one of the best in the entire NFL. On the weakside is Troy Dye, who is looking to take the next step in his progression after an underwhelming rookie season.
So while the depth was questionable, the starting trifecta was back intact, and then Minnesota signed Nick Vigil to a one-year deal. Vigil isn’t elite by any means, but he’s a capable player who could push Troy Dye for a starting job. With Blake Lynch already on the squad, he puts them five deep at the linebacker position, and it really pushed this need to the backburner.
There will be some players who could be available at pick No. 14, who would tempt the Vikings. Micah Parsons is coming off a huge Pro Day and would be a potential game-changer at the position and the eventual replacement for Anthony Barr if he leaves in free agency following the season.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is another player who has elite physical traits and could be used in various ways by Mike Zimmer. While it would be hard to pass on one of these talents, Minnesota has bigger needs to address and can’t give in to those temptations.
Defensive Tackle
For those fans that had their hearts set on the Vikings taking Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore at pick No. 14, my condolences. Minnesota went out and signed Dalvin Tomlinson from the New York Giants to a two-year deal, and he’ll be paired with Michael Pierce, forming the most intimidating run-stopping wall since Kevin and Pat Williams suited up for the Purple.
Tomlinson isn’t a typical three-technique defensive tackle as he’s more stoutly built than the average penetrator, but he’s extremely athletic. He’s lightning-quick off the snap and has the power and speed to push interior blockers into the backfield. He’s done it before in his career and has even played end, so there’s no question he has the athletic ability to excel in this role.
That being said, this signing fills the Vikings’ hole at defensive tackle. They have their starter opposite Pierce and even have decent depth behind him in Armon Watts and James Lynch. Minnesota will still likely use a mid-round pick on an interior disruptor with names like Jaylen Twyman, Darius Stills, and Marvin Wilson being options, but there’s no chance they take one at pick No. 14 now.
3 needs for Vikings to target with top draft pick after first free agency wave
Following the first wave of the 2021 free agency period, which needs should the Minnesota Vikings target in the first round of this year's NFL Draft?
Barmore would’ve been a fun addition to this defense, but Minnesota Vikings fans are going to have to wait until he hits free agency in about five years.