Minnesota Vikings 5-round 2021 mock draft: Post-Pro Day

Patrick Jones – DE, Pittsburgh

The Vikings are likely going to add an edge rusher at pick 14 or boost their offensive line. If they address the offensive line first, they will definitely use one of their third or fourth-round picks on a player who can compete to start opposite Danielle Hunter.

Pass rusher is the biggest question mark when it comes to the Vikings’ defensive line. They brought back Stephen Weatherly, who hasn’t exactly thrived when he’s gotten the chance to be a starter. There’s also promising second-year man DJ Wonnum waiting in the wings, but he tailed off toward the end of the season and it’s unclear if he’s ready to take on a bigger role. So the team definitely needs to add another player here and that man could be Patrick Jones from Pittsburgh.

Jones is a very nice-looking prospect who stands 6’5 and comes in at 260 pounds. He’s extremely quick off the ball and has a wide array of pass-rushing moves at his disposal. The dude has been very consistent in his career, racking up 8.5 sacks in 2019 and nine in 2021. He does run a bit hot and cold and is a little unrefined, but working with Andre Patterson could elevate this guy into a dominating force on the edge for the Vikings.