Vikings Draft 2021: Four-round mock draft – April version

First Round (No. 14 overall) – Micah Parsons, LB – Penn St.

The most common positions to find mocked to the Minnesota Vikings in the first round are offensive tackle, guard, and defensive end. Some mocks have a wide receiver or other position being the best available player. In this case, it would be incredibly hard to pass on Micah Parsons.

Under normal circumstances, Parsons would be a top-five draft pick. However, the scramble for teams to draft a quarterback, a number of high-potential wide receivers being available, and some standout players at other positions had the dynamic defender somehow available for this mock.

Even with sitting out the 2020 campaign, Parsons ticks all the boxes on the list of qualities the Vikings want in a player. He’s athletic, dynamic, fast, and persistent. Minnesota could feel comfortable having him rush the passer, play in run support, or back into coverage.

With Anthony Barr likely exiting after the 2021 NFL season, Parsons would be an exciting addition to the team this year and be a long-term answer in the Vikings defense. Mike Zimmer would be in absolute heaven with a linebacker who can do everything

Linebacker might not be the biggest need, but passing on him if he is available at No. 14 overall would be a massive mistake for the Minnesota Vikings. With some depth in the class for offensive linemen and some good pass rushers to be found in the middle rounds, Rick Spielman, Mike Zimmer, and the entire staff should be jumping for joy in this scenario.