4 prospects the Vikings missed out on in the 2021 NFL Draft

Deonte Brown – OG (Alabama)

The Vikings made a strong effort to address the offensive line woes by drafting two potential Day 1 starters in Christian Darrisaw and Wyatt Davis this year. After watching Kirk Cousins get sacked over and over again last season, it was clear that improving the pass protection was a top priority.

If for some reason Minnesota wasn’t satisfied with the names already on the roster, one of this year’s most efficient pass protecting prospects was available for the taking for most of the 2021 draft.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 345 pounds, Deonte Brown was among the largest athletes in this year’s draft. Brown’s most noticeable achievement in his college playing career was not allowing a single sack for 865 consecutive pass-blocking snaps.

While Brown could make for a solid anchor in pass protection, the Vikings likely passed on Brown due to his mobility. Minnesota’s offensive scheme requires mobility at offensive guard for run-blocking plays, requiring the guard to pull outside at times. Brown was eventually selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 193rd overall pick in the sixth round.

If Brown can rise to the level of competition in the NFL and carry over some of his college success, the Panthers may have landed the steal of the draft.