5 prospects the Vikings should avoid in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Adam Carlson
Jaelan Phillips – DE (Miami/UCLA)
Jaelan Phillips has been shooting up draft boards and has entered the conversation to possibly be the first edge rusher taken in the 2021 NFL Draft. Since the Minnesota Vikings could use someone opposite Danielle Hunter to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, there is a chance this could be the name called when the purple and gold are on the clock.
If that does happen, it could be a massive mistake or the best move the franchise ever makes. There isn’t much middle ground for Phillips to land in and the only question mark surrounding him is his ability to stay on the football field.
He’s a refined pass rusher with a history of success and an extremely strong motor. However, a history of concussions that caused him to step away from football and worry about his health should be enough of a red flag to push him out of the first round.
Instead, CBS Sports has Jaelan Phillips ranked 21 among all 2021 NFL Draft prospects and some analysts are mocking him to be the first-round selection of the Minnesota Vikings. It is great that he is healthy now and ready to play, but how long can the pass rusher stay on the field…and is it worth gambling such an early pick that he can be a long-term answer as a pass rusher?
Which of these players would you still like to see be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings despite the red flags and issues surrounding them? And who else would you consider to be undraftable in this year’s class? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.