NFL Draft 2021: 3 best scenarios for Minnesota Vikings in Round 1

2. Hope for pass-rushers to fall into the later rounds

Rick Spielman could easily take a pass-rusher at No. 14 and no one would bat an eye. Last season, the Vikings were one of just seven teams to not record 25 sacks or more on the season. Minnesota won’t though have a second-round pick due to the trade for Yannick Ngakoue before the start of last season.

Viking should hope that one or two high end players land somewhere in the third round. A name like Quincy Roche out of Miami or Jordan Smith from UAB both could be considered high-end players that with time might flourish in Mike Zimmer’s system. A name like Houston’s Payton Turner would be a slam dunk selection even if they would have to trade up a little earlier.

Depending on what they do with their first-round pick will decide how the rest of their draft unfolds. All and all, it could be risky not adding a defensive end early, but should a certain player fall in their lap at No. 14, they might have for the best.