The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a very disappointing 2020 season. They needed to pounce at the 2021 NFL draft. They went 7-9 and missed the playoffs and made a couple of mistakes in the draft on top of it.
Although they had a tough season, the Vikings have some young talent on the roster that shows promise.
In free agency, the Vikings bolstered the defense which should definitely help in this upcoming season. They brought in cornerback Patrick Peterson, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, and safety Xavier Woods. These 3 players will be a vital part if they are going to have success on the defensive side of the ball. With a defensive-minded head coach in Mike Zimmer and talented players on this side of the ball, the Vikings could become a top-5 defense in the NFL. While the defense should improve, the Vikings did make some mistakes in the draft.
Here are 2 mistakes by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Vikings NFL draft mistakes:
2. Running back Kene Nwangwu
In the 4th round the Vikings selected running back Kene Nwangwu. Nwangwu has decent potential but this pick was a big reach by the team.
He was projected to be a seventh-round draft pick and the Vikings took him way too early.
Nwangwu isn't a bad player and could be the third or fourth running back for the Vikings, but at this spot, it was a reach. He is a good kick returner but lacks footwork in the run game.
He is a one speed runner that doesn't have an ability to get to the second gear. Nwangwu won't make much of an impact for the team and the Vikings could've gotten a better player at this spot. Although taking another player wouldn't have drastically changed the team, it could have improved the roster.
1. Defensive end Patrick Jones II
With one of the Vikings' four 3rd round selections, they took defensive end Patrick Jones II. Jones II seems to be a boom or bust player that was a very risky pick. Ronnie Perkins was still on the board at the time and he projects to be a far better player. While Jones II has solid potential, he is a very raw player right now and could be a bust for the Vikings. He has quickness off the edge but has some misses when he gets to the quarterback.
Perkins would have been a way better option for the Vikings and if Jones II is a bust this pick may haunt them.
Overall the Vikings had a solid off-season despite these few mishaps in the draft.
The Vikings should be in the playoff hunt this season and could potentially make a run at the division.
Although the Vikings didn't get any stars in free agency they brought in some guys that will make an instant impact. The defense is primed to become an elite group with the additions in free agency.
While the defense could be the strength for the Vikings in 2021 the offense has star power of it's own. Last season rookie wide receiver Justin Jefferson should how good he will be which added to the other offensive threats. Running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Adam Thielen are the other stars on the offensive side of the ball who will have to carry the load this season. The rest of the offense is not a great group so these stars will have to pick it up.
Look for the Vikings to have an improved season in 2021 and make a playoff push.
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