6 defensive ends the Vikings could pick in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Ronnie Perkins (Oklahoma)
Measurements:
Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 247 pounds
2020 Stats:
- 23 tackles (10.5 for a loss)
- 5.5 sacks
Ronnie Perkins is a little undersized, but if he falls to the Vikings in the third round of this year’s draft, they should definitely consider taking him. Perkins has an explosive first step, and with him on the field, Oklahoma’s defense was instantly improved.
Perkins was extremely consistent in his career at Oklahoma. He had five sacks as a freshman, six as a sophomore, and five and a half in a shortened junior season.
He’s also solid against the run, especially for being relatively undersized. Perkins definitely would fit in nicely on the Vikings’ defensive line and be a key rotational piece right out of the gate.
There are some concerns about Perkins and the biggest is that he had a failed drug test back in 2019. This caused him to miss some games, but he appealed and had his ban lifted.
Still, that’s a big red flag, and it could be enough to cause Perkins to take a draft day tumble. He also needs to use his hands better and play with more overall patience. But there is plenty for the Vikings‘ defensive coaching staff to work with here.