Vikings 2021 NFL Draft primer: Can Kirk Cousins get them over the hump?

Team need no. 1: Offensive Tackle

Perhaps no need is more glaring than the one created by Riley Reiff’s departure.  A veteran tackle on the left side of Minnesota’s offensive line, Reiff represented a talented and reliable pass protector on quarterback Kirk Cousins’ blindside.  The Vikings roster features as many as three potential replacements at the position, including a pair of second round draft picks in Ezra Cleveland (2020) and Brian O’Neill (2018).  Rounding out the in-house options is Rashod Hill, a fifth-year reserve player who has served as a club’s primary swing tackle in recent seasons.

Round 1 Prospect: Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

Rashawn Slater, a 6-foot-5, 305 prospect out of Northwestern, offers perhaps the most intriguing next-level projection of any prospect in this year’s offensive tackle class not named Penei Sewell.  Though lacking prototypical measurables in terms of girth and arm length, Slater is something of an athletic marvel at the position.

With modern passing constructs seeming to favorite quick, fluid movers over hulking, phonebooth-types on the edge of the line, Slater makes up for any size deficiency with quickness, agility, technical prowess, and an exceptional understanding of offensive concepts.  Not only a high-ceiling prospect, but Slater would also figure to represent a relatively high floor based on his projection as a game-changer inside at the guard position.

Should the Vikings see fit to add a young, talented and versatile outside-in prospect along the offensive line, then taking Slater at pick 14 could prove to be one of the wiser moves in the draft.

Day 2 Prospect: Walker Little, Stanford

While prized recruits from top collegiate programs do not generally populate the ranks of the overlooked prospects, Stanford’s Walker Little finds himself squarely in that category.  A long, athletic tackle who excels in pass protection, Little would almost certainly be garnering first round buzz in the 2021 NFL Draft had he not missed the past two seasons.

With an injury claiming his 2019 season and having chosen to opt-out in 2020, Little brings with him more uncertainty than his physical traits and on-field performance would portray.  The Vikings could benefit from Little’s predicament by claiming a starting-level left tackle beyond the draft’s opening round.

Late Round Sleeper: Josh Ball, Marshall

A former 4-star recruit and starting left tackle for Florida State, Ball came to Marshall by way of community college after he was dismissed from the Seminole team for a troubling off-the-field incident.  Incredibly long and surprisingly athletic, Ball has the appearance of an NFL left tackle.  While the character concerns will likely preclude Ball from hearing his name called before the backend of the draft, he could represent value to the Vikings as a late-round flier.