3 reasons why the Vikings should trade up to draft Penei Sewell

Could the Minnesota Vikings move up in the 2021 NFL Draft to get their hands on stud left tackle Penei Sewell?

There does appear to still be some concern regarding the Minnesota Vikings from a protection standpoint despite a strong free agency period this offseason.

Cutting ties with Riley Reiff was seen as a necessary evil in the current financial climate for the Vikings. But how they replace him will be vital to their chances of making the playoffs once again in 2021.

It would be a huge surprise if the Vikings didn’t address this need early during the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. This is set to be a deep class for offensive linemen that Minnesota would be wise to take advantage of, with one prospect undoubtedly standing out from the rest.

Penei Sewell is arguably the best tackle entering the NFL in a generation. His production in 2019 with Oregon earned the player Heisman Trophy votes and although he opted out of the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19 health concerns, a dominant showing at his Pro Day this year did nothing to dispel the notion he’s going to be a top edge protector at the next level.

The Vikings don’t have a second-round pick in the 2021 draft after the ill-fated Yannick Ngakoue trade last season. But if Sewell is Minnesota’s player of interest, general manager Rick Spielman has been known to make deals like this happen if he thinks it will benefit the team.

The Vikings would probably need to make a deal with the Miami Dolphins at pick No. 6 in the first round if the Cincinnati Bengals decide to reunite quarterback Joe Burrow with his former LSU teammate, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, with the No. 5 pick.

So what are some reasons why Minnesota should at least explore the possibility of trading up to land Sewell?