4 Vikings players who will benefit most from a strong draft in 2021
By Dean Jones
Kirk Cousins – QB
There will be those who always criticize Kirk Cousins. This is something the quarterback has gotten used to throughout his career, but one cannot blame him for the Vikings’ failings in 2020, especially following their early bye week.
Cousins put together an outstanding statistical campaign and one that sees the signal-caller enter 2021 with plenty of momentum behind him. However, this will be for nothing if Minnesota doesn’t put the necessary pieces in place around the Pro Bowler and this should arguably be their top priority during the draft.
The Vikings need a franchise left tackle, a starting guard, another tight end option to assist in the passing game, and a complimentary wide receiver to put alongside their exceptional duo of Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson.
That is a lot to ask, especially considering the deficiencies on defense. But Minnesota allocated the majority of their funds in free agency on this side of the ball and getting Cousins some more help could make all the difference in the pursuit of returning to the postseason in 2021.
Cousins still has two years remaining on his deal, so there appears little chance Minnesota will go in a different direction anytime soon. That is why drafting well on offense is so important – to maximize the quarterback’s production while they still can.