The Vikings were patient on Day 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings had to be happy with what they were able to accomplish in the first round of the draft. Thye filled their biggest need on the offensive line while grabbing some more ammunition to grab more talent at multiple positions heading into Day 2.
A lack of draft picks in Round 2 didn’t mean Minnesota was going to be quiet on Friday. In fact, the team had a flurry of picks available in Round 3, with four selections available to grab players or move around the draft board.
Here is what the team had available:
- Round 3: 66 overall
- Round 3: 78 overall
- Round 3: 86 overall
- Round 3: 90 overall
The team’s biggest needs at this point are guard, defensive end, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety. With plenty of depth available at many of those positions, there was seeming no rush to give up picks to trade up into the second round.
It felt like an excruciating wait for the Vikings to make a selection when so many talented players were coming off the board, but the team was able to stay put and wait for the third round to roll around.
When the Vikings did make their pick, it dropped some jaws around the fan base.
Vikings take Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond at No. 66 overall
Kirk Cousins may be the man in Minnesota, but with no clear backup and a lack of top talent to evaluate on the roster behind him, the Viking made an effort to not only get a high-potential backup while adding some planning for the future. This should guarantee that Sean Mannion won’t return to the purple and gold to back up Cousins this year.
Minnesota takes North Carolina LB Chazz Surratt at No. 78 overall
The Vikings have seen two offensive players join the team during the 2021 NFL Draft and the first defender finally gets his name called to come to Minnesota. Quarterback-turned-linebacker, Chazz Surratt should provide some depth at linebacker and help prepare for the eventual exit of Anthony Barr.
More offensive line help at No. 86 overall with Ohio State guard Wyatt Davis
The Minnesota Vikings are serious about fixing that offensive line. After grabbing one of the top offensive tackles in the first round, the team picks a sliding Wyatt Davis in the third round to be one of the starting guards moving forward.
Finally, the Vikings take Pitt DE Patrick Jones II at No. 90 overall
Minnesota closes out their second day of the draft by filling another big need for a pass rusher. Patrick Jones II has a huge motor that should remind people of Everson Griffen and be an interesting pairing with Danielle Hunter on the defensive line.