The Viking Age
FanSided

5 prospects the Vikings should avoid in the 2021 NFL Draft

By Adam Carlson

September 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) reacts after a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) reacts after a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) Jalen Mayfield /

Jalen Mayfield – OT (Michigan)

Let’s go back to the offensive line, which should be the top priority for the Minnesota Vikings at the draft. At the moment, it isn’t known who one of the team’s starting tackles will be but the team can’t be comfortable drafting Jalen Mayfield if they want a player ready to step in and play immediately.

At only 20 years old, the University of Michigan youngster is a work in progress. Although a team could draft him and develop the 6’5 and 326-pound tackle into a great player, his youth raises some big question marks involving his physical development and limitations.

Sadly, Minnesota hasn’t been able to prove the ability to develop offensive linemen. Their track record for creating long-term successes on the line is extremely disappointing and when a player needs to hone their skills to compete at the NFL level, the question marks get bigger.

When sprinkling in a disappointing Pro Day which caused red flags to arise about his explosiveness off the line and arm/hand size, seeing Mayfield at rank 35 on CBS Sports’ prospect list seems extremely high for a team that would be taking on a huge project at offensive tackle.

Home/Minnesota Vikings Draft