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

Among Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, and Eric Wilson, only Wilson managed to navigate the 2020 season without missing numerous games due to injury.  With Wilson now a Philadelphia Eagle, the two returning starters at linebacker for the Vikings missed a combined total of 19 games in 2020.

Newcomer Nick Vigil, whom the team signed earlier this offseason, will figure to move into the open starting position created by Wilson’s departure.  Best known for a solid if unspectacular 3-year run as a starter in Cincinnati, Vigil arrives in Minnesota after a single season in Los Angeles Charger, where he started 2 of the 15 games he played as a member of the Chargers.

Round 1 Prospect: Micah Parsons, Penn State

Widely considered one of the top overall non-quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, Penn State off-ball linebacker Micah Parsons is on the board at pick 14 in this scenario solely because of the needs of teams scheduled to select ahead of Minnesota.

A rare athlete at the position, Parsons shows great quickness and explosiveness in patrolling the second level from sideline to sideline.  Parsons plays fast from the neck-up as well, processing what he sees and reacting decisively.

Parsons’ size, speed, and athletic ability should allow him the opportunity to prove himself as a true three-down linebacker out of the gate, and his demonstrated ability to blitz, rush the passer and play coverage will certainly pique the imagination of coach Mike Zimmer. Should he somehow be available when the Vikings take their turn on the clock later this month, it is not hard to envision the impact he could make upon the club’s fortunes in 2021.

Day 2 Prospect: Baron Browning, Ohio State

Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning used an exceptional blend of size, speed, and athleticism, to make plays in a variety of ways for the Buckeye defense.  A solid tackler who also acquitted himself well in his coverage responsibilities, Browning profiles as a SAM or WILL linebacker who could/should easily develop into an every-down starter in the NFL.

Browning was not quite able to latch on to anyone specific role during his time in Columbus, and will surely benefit from full-time NFL coaching at a particular position.

Potential concerns over some inconsistency and a relative lack of production will likely hinder Browning’s prospects as a first rounder, and Minnesota could be well advised to add one of the most impressive linebacker prospects in the draft even if they choose to go in another direction with their first pick.

Late Round Sleeper: Garrett Wallow, TCU

TCU’s senior linebacker Garrett Wallow combines a heady, technically sound approach with rangy play-making ability in the middle of TCU coach Gary Patterson’s 4-2-5 defense.  A somewhat undersized yet dynamic prospect, Wallow led the Big 12 in tackles during his collegiate career while displaying the coverage chops expected of a converted safety.  While he might not check all of the requisite boxes, Wallow could very well develop into a versatile contributor under the tutelage of Zimmer and company.