2021 NFL Mock Draft: Justin Fields leaps to Jaguars at No. 1, Dolphins nab Ja’Marr Chase

Justin Herbert has been phenomenal as a rookie and there were even times he was being put in the same category as Joe Burrow. In the end, Burrow will likely be the better pro but considering there were even such questions this season shows how well the Los Angeles Chargers did in landing Herbert after Burrow and Tua.

With this pick, the Chargers wisely decide to add some protection for Herbert by taking Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw. Listed at 6-5 and 314 pounds, Darrisaw looks as though he was chiseled to play left tackle at the NFL level. On top of his size and incredibly long arms, Darrisaw is a mobile player who can handle the speed rush as well as the power. He should be an instant starter for a team that needs to protect their new face of the franchise.

There are plenty of mock drafts that have the Minnesota Vikings taking an interior offensive lineman which would make a lot of sense. They do need help, especially at left guard, but in this 2021 NFL Mock Draft, they go a different direction and add help on the defensive line.

In 2020, Minnesota added Yannick Ngakoue from the Jacksonville Jaguars, hoping he would pair with Danielle Hunter. When their season started to fall apart, they moved Ngakoue without Hunter ever being healthy to pair with him. That feels like a missed opportunity, but the Vikings are back at the drawing board here as they again go after an edge rusher.

Kwity Paye is a perfect complement to Hunter and, while he falls behind Azeez Ojulari, he’s still as solid of a prospect as a team can find.