5 prospects the Vikings should avoid in the 2021 NFL Draft

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
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Minnesota Vikings
Paris Ford – (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Paris Ford – S (Pittsburgh)

Full disclosure, Paris Ford was an early draft crush of mine. He’s an aggressive safety who seems to have a nose for the football. He is a hard hitter and turnover-creating machine that looks like a first-round talent on tape.

However, Ford’s tackling needs to be cleaned up and coverage skills aren’t elite. Add in a six-foot, 190-pound frame and those factors drop him to being a potential day two selection. However, CBS Sports is among a lot of other analysts that have Ford dropping to be number 147 on their prospect rankings.

A hugely disappointing Pro Day pushed the Pittsburgh standout down to being a fifth-round or later prospect. A 4.90-second 40-yard dash time absolutely killed his momentum and has some people considering him to be undraftable.

Putting too much stock into a Pro Day could be a huge mistake, but time away from football combined with a horrific last impression isn’t a good way to get your name called early on draft day…if it gets called at all.

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