5 prospects who could fall to the Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft

Rashawn Slater – OL (Northwestern)

Slater is an interesting prospect and one who could go as high as the fifth choice overall or tumble all the way to the Vikings at pick No. 14.

He’d be an ideal fit for Minnesota. The guy is very athletic and strong, and he can play both left guard or left tackle. He’s a day one starter and he would be the team’s second-best offensive lineman the second after his name is called.

For Slater to make it to the Vikings, a few key things would probably have to happen. The Cincinnati Bengals would need to choose a receiver or Kyle Pitts over a lineman, and the Miami Dolphins would have to as well. Two teams also in the offensive line market are the Panthers and Cowboys, but they both have needs at corner as well, and they could choose to go that route instead.

The last major hurdle for Slater actually falling to Minnesota would be the Los Angeles Chargers. While they want to improve the protection in front of Justin Herbert, they could deem Christian Darrisaw a better fit, or surprise and take another weapon like DeVonta Smith. That would put Slater in the Vikings’ laps, making their draft day dreams come true.

Slater would likely compete with Ezra Cleveland to be the Vikings’ left tackle for next season. Whether the rookie would win that battle or not, Minnesota’s offensive line would be greatly improved with his selection.