4 bold predictions for the Vikings during the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Minnesota will draft a quarterback on Day 2
Kirk Cousins still has two years remaining on his deal and some huge money coming his way after signing an extension last year. The quarterback’s style of play could see him go on a good while yet, but the Vikings might decide that now is the time to draft a potential signal-caller of the future to sit and learn before eventually taking over from the Pro Bowler.
This would be a bold move to make, especially considering how well Cousins played following the bye in 2020. However, even if an incoming college prospect isn’t ever ready to assume command under center, the Vikings need a better backup option than Sean Mannion in the event their No. 1 is forced to miss any time.
This doesn’t appear to be a strong quarterback class once the first five come off the board very early in the first round. If the Vikings want to maximize the bang for their buck, so to speak, then getting a prospect on Day 2 and with one of their third-round selections is the best way to go.
Someone like Kellen Mond would be perfect in this scenario if the former Texas A&M star falls that far. He has the mobility and arm strength needed to make a real go of things at the next level with a little more refinement, which will come from being less robotic in the pocket and going through his reads a little quicker.
Time will be on Mond’s side if he ended up in Minnesota thanks to the presence of Cousins, which might end up being the making of him or anyone else taken as a long-term project.