Dazz Newsome – WR (North Carolina)
One glaring need for the Vikings ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft is finding a true third option at wide receiver to go alongside the Pro Bowl duo of Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. This is expected to be yet another deep class for receivers, and if the organization can find the right prospect, it could make all the difference for an offense that made some encouraging strides in 2020.
Dazz Newsome fits the bill and could end up being a high-value selection in the mid-rounds. The North Carolina standout has a rare ability to impact the game all over the field and comes to the next level having accumulated 1,702 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns during his final two seasons with the Tar Heels.
Newsome can line up on the outside, in the slot, or even take carries out of the backfield should the opportunity arise. His elusiveness should also come in handy on special teams in the return game, which is where Minnesota could need reinforcements somewhere down the line.
One area where Newsome excels is producing yards after the catch. This is due to superb elusiveness, both in open space and in tight windows. So if the Vikings want a little more bang for their buck when selecting a wideout, then they could do far worse than look in his direction.