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5 players Vikings should draft in the first round

By Rucker Haringey

Gregory Rousseau, Miami Hurricanes. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Gregory Rousseau, Miami Hurricanes. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Vikings mock draft, Christian Barmore
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Christian Barmore #58 of the Alabama Crimson Tide sits in his stance during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

4. Christian Barmore

Some might consider 14 too high for Barmore, but the dominant play he put on film at the end of his collegiate career says otherwise. The Vikings have a clear need for a potentially dominant defensive tackle and Barmore arguably has the highest ceiling of any player in his position group.

He’s still relatively raw as a prospect, but his athleticism and size are both outstanding for the position. What separates him from other prospects in this class is the explosion he plays with on the inside. Barmore has violent hands and quick feet that make him a nightmare to neutralize at the point of attack.

The Vikings might prefer to nab an edge rusher in this spot, but Barmore can contribute to Minnesota’s pass-rushing struggles by collapsing the pocket from the inside. That might be his best skill when he arrives in the NFL.

It’s fair to question why he wasn’t a consistent player during his time at Alabama, but his upside makes him worth the potential risk at this juncture in the draft. He’s a player who can become a dominant run defender and above-average pass rusher on the inside. Zimmer might be the perfect coach to unlock Barmore’s substantial potential.

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