Will the Vikings trade up in the 2021 NFL Draft? History says probably not

If the Minnesota Vikings are going to make a trade in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, it likely isn’t going to be one that improves their draft position.

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman has been known to make a trade or two during the NFL Draft. Spielman is heading into his 10th draft as the general manager of the Vikings and it could potentially be his last with the franchise.

Minnesota’s general manager and head coach Mike Zimmer both recently signed contract extensions with the organization. But if the Vikings fail to reach the playoffs again next season, the team’s owners could decide to show Spielman and Zimmer the door.

So this year’s NFL Draft is certainly an important one for Minnesota’s current regime. How it turns out could potentially determine the futures of Spielman and Zimmer in the Twin Cities.

Will the Minnesota Vikings trade up in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Currently, the Vikings have the No. 14 pick in the first round of the 2021 draft. In this position, Minnesota should still be able to land a talented prospect who could immediately help them out next season.

Some have wondered if Minnesota might attempt to move up the draft board this year to select a top prospect. But if history means anything, don’t expect the Vikings to trade up as long as Spielman is the one in charge.

Since he was promoted to be Minnesota’s general manager in 2012, the team has never used their top pick in the first round to make a trade on draft day that resulted in them moving up the board. During Spielman’s tenure, the Vikings have either traded back with another team or stuck with their original draft position.

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This isn’t to say that it’s still not a possibility because no one ever really knows what will happen when it comes to Spielman and the draft. But Minnesota’s history in the draft with their current general manager indicates that they will either remain at pick No. 14 in the first round this year or trade back to acquire more selections.