Vikings Draft 2021: Four-round risk-reward mock draft

Third Round (Pick No. 90)

Kendrick Green – OG (Illinois)

Kendrick Green is currently projected to go at the end of Day 2 or early on Day 3, so the Vikings will likely need to pull the trigger with this pick in order to grab him. They need to fix the offensive line as much as they can in this draft, and if that means reaching for a player like Green, then so be it.

He was originally recruited to play on the defensive line at Illinois but transitioned to the other side of the trenches and did a good job. He started 33 games along the interior offensive line for the Illini, but there is still plenty to work on as he enters the NFL. He needs to work on technique and hand placement, but the framework and athleticism are there.

I think Green can step in as the starting guard in 2021, but the Vikings have simply not had success in finding guards later in the draft. This is probably a bit high for Green and that’s where some of the added risk comes into play. If you’re reaching on a starting guard, he has to earn the starting job in camp, or else the cycle continues.

Even with 33 career starts at Illinois, Green is still new and learning the position. He has the tools and traits to fit what Minnesota wants to do offensively. Now it’s just a matter of getting him ready to take on that role.