Minnesota Vikings 2021 NFL Draft tracker and updates
By Adam Carlson
Day 1 was wild for the Minnesota Vikings
If you thought you would have to wait until the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback for drama related to the Minnesota Vikings, you would be sadly mistaken. There was plenty of news and some rumors to keep things interesting.
To start things off, there were rumblings that if the Denver Broncos selected a quarterback in the draft that Drew Lock might be an option to be traded to a team like Minnesota to become the backup for Kirk Cousins.
As if potential Vikings quarterback news wasn’t enough, a report surfaced about Aaron Rodgers not being happy with his situation in Green Bay re-emerged, and they have apparently escalated to the point that there is a possibility Aaron Rodgers might not be the Packers quarterback in 2021 and may not have to face Minnesota at all this coming season.
Trading down from No.14 to 23
The Minnesota Vikings traded down from 14 to 23 to the dismay of many fans who were hoping to see the team take an offensive lineman. When the Jets used that pick to select USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, the frustration amplified among the fan base and criticism of the trade was loud. Even though the team got great compensation, it was hard to see the team pass on a top prospect.
The #Jets/#Vikings trade: No. 14 and No. 143 for 23, 66, 86. And NYJ takes #USC OL Alijah Vera-Tucker. A scout’s favorite.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2021
With each passing selection, nerves tightened up for fans of Minnesota. The idea of missing out on an elite-level blocker to protect Kirk Cousins and open holes in the run game should be a scary concept for everyone involved.
At No. 23 overall, the Vikings select Christian Darrisaw, OT – Virginia Tech
Even with many great players going off the board until Minnesota was back on the clock at 23 overall, the Vikings were able to land a potential franchise left tackle. The best pass-blocking left tackle and exceptional run blocker immediately becomes the team’s starting left tackle.
The fact Minnesota was able to trade back and pick up some great capital while also getting a player of need at a great value is amazing and should be considered a bit win for the team.