5 needs the Vikings could double-dip at during the 2021 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Wide Receiver
Wide receiver isn’t one of the Vikings’ biggest needs, but it’s one they could address multiple times in the 2021 NFL Draft. They are set at the top of their depth chart, but the guys behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen could stand to improve.
Minnesota has plenty of draft choices this year and they could definitely use some of the mid to late-round selections to create competition for Chad Beebe and Bisi Johnson.
There is an outside chance the Vikings will use their 2021 first-round pick on a wide receiver. This would probably only happen if one of the top options slid down the board since it would be tough for them to pass on talents like Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith. These are two dynamic playmakers who also bring explosive returnability to a team that is lacking in this area.
Even if Minnesota doesn’t take a pass-catcher with their top draft pick, they could still use multiple choices to upgrade this unit. If they wait until the third round, they could target a speedster like Amari Rodgers or Dwayne Eskridge.
Both of these guys would be able to not only battle to be the Vikings’ third option in the passing game for next season, but they could also return punts and kicks.
One thing the Vikings’ don’t have in their wide receiver room is a big-bodied guy who can go up and highpoint the ball. Nico Collins is a mid-round prospect who could fill that role as is Simi Fehoko. Kirk Cousins lost his primary red zone target when the team cut Kyle Rudolph earlier this year and they could look to a bigger receiver to help fill this void.