20 star players the Vikings could have drafted in the last 5 years

2021: Christian Darrisaw, OT (pick 23 overall)

This is one of the hardest draft classes to look at as far as star players the Minnesota Vikings missed out on. Since there is only one year of experience under these players’ belts, its’ hard to know which players will have staying power.

Christian Darrisaw has looked very good at left tackle for Minnesota but he should continue to improve as he grows and develops with the team’s new blocking scheme and the new nigh-powered offense.

Najee Harris, RB (pick 24 overall)

There seemed to be a lot of running backs on this list and that’s because they are players who seem to slip through the cracks during the draft process. Najee Harris had some big games with the Steelers and earned a Pro Bowl appearance during his rookie campaign.

Asante Samuel Jr., CB (pick 47 overall)

He may not have earned individual accolades in his rookie year, but Asante Samuel Jr. looked good for the Chargers by defending 11 passes including two interceptions. He will get more experience and be tested hard in one of the most challenging divisions in the NFL.

Davis Mills, QB (pick 67 overall)

The Texans must feel pretty good about Davis Mills by keeping him as their starter heading into the 2022 season. As a rookie, he completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 2,664 yards and 16 touchdowns, giving hope that he can be the passer for the future for Houston.

Elijah Moore, WR (pick 34 overall)

Another player who didn’t earn individual accolades, Elijah Moore was a bright spot in a terrible Jets offense. As a rookie, he caught 43 passes for 538 yards and five touchdowns, earning him a starting role in the team’s offense.

Kadarius Toney, WR (pick 20 overall)

Being a receiver in the Giants’ offense isn’t easy, but Kadarius Toney made it look good by playing in 10 games, earning a starting role in 4 games. He caught 39 passes for 420 yards as a rookie and has the potential to crack 1,000 yards in a full season if New York’s offense can put together an aerial attack. (Minnesota originally held pick 14 overall)