2021 NFL Mock Draft, 3 Rounds: Chiefs bolster O-line after Super Bowl loss

The Minnesota Vikings went in the wrong direction last season, and it was hard to figure out why. They did let a couple of defenders go and lost Danielle Hunter but they still had some decent players on that side of the ball. And on offense, they might have traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, but Justin Jefferson stepped in and took over that role.

That’s without even getting into the play of Dalvin Cook — who continued to improve as a runner — and the play of Kirk Cousins — which was much better than he gets credit for. Sure, he’s not an elite quarterback but not just anyone can throw for over 4,200 yards with 35 touchdowns.

Still, something was just off in 2020 and it might have been the offensive line. Cousins did get sacked 11 more times this past season and there were countless other plays where he was being rushed and had to get rid of the ball, or throw it under duress.

The worst pressure came up the middle as the Vikings’ interior line wasn’t great for them in 2020. For that reason, they use the Nl. 14 pick on USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker. He played tackle for the Trojans but is considered a guard at the next level. He will not only help keep the bull-rush at bay for Cousins but is excellent when run-blocking, which will only help Cook get better. And that’s a scary prospect for opponents.