2021 NFL Team Draft Page

The Vikings added a huge piece to their defense by trading for Yannick Ngakoue. They sent a 2021 RD2 pick and a conditional 2022 RD5 selection. Shortly thereafter, they proposed an option to Riley Reiff. Reiff has the option to accept a contract restructure (pay cut) or get released. He accepted a restructure.

The team did not address the Guard situation in the 2020 NFL Draft and cut Josh Kline, too. The only interior lineman they added in the draft was Kyle Hinton. They are reportedly trying their second-round pick, Ezra Cleveland, at Guard. He only played Tackle at Boise State and many observers figured he would be the heir-apparent to Riley Reiff. He still could be, but practicing at Guard does not seem like it would develop his skills at Tackle (to this uneducated observer).

The likely starting guards will be Dakota Dozier, who has had 11 starts in his six-year career, and Pat Elflein, who they are moving to RG. Elflein is now on his third position along the offensive line in 5 years. This could be good for his career long-term, particularly if he eventually becomes a veteran backup. Both Dozier and Elflein will be free agents in 2021, too.

This moves Guard to the top of the draft needs list!

Wyatt Davis is 6'4", 315 and was named First-Team All-American by the Associated Press, CBS Sports, and The Sporting News. He is very strong and moves well enough to fit into the Vikings' zone-blocking scheme. Davis has been compared to David DeCastro here.

Since the Vikings will not have a second-round pick due to the Ngakoue trade, they cannot wait to secure a top interior lineman.

- Mark P, Vikings Analyst - DrafttekVikings@GMail.com