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

Fourth Round (Pick No. 119)

Shaun Wade – CB (Ohio State)

If you followed the NFL Draft cycle throughout the 2020 season, you most likely saw a massive drop from Shaun Wade. He entered the season as one of the top cornerbacks in the country before really struggling for the Buckeyes. He played as more of an outside cornerback last season, which is not where he belongs, and that is going to cost him a lot of money come the NFL Draft.

Wade was very good in the slot leading up to 2020 but was moved outside as the team’s best cornerback available. He was exposed quite a bit in big games and was targeted by opposing offenses consistently by the end of the year. His slide was not unwarranted because his play in 2020 was quite terrifying.

If the Vikings can move him back to the slot and bring his confidence level back up to where it was two years ago, then they have another stud in the secondary. If not, they are bringing in a piece of burnt toast to supposedly help the defense.

With Patrick Peterson and Mike Zimmer leading the way, there is no reason to believe Shaun Wade couldn’t become a star at the next level. He has the size and athleticism to stick in the secondary, whether it be in the nickel or as a strong safety.