Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Vikings stay put and get OL at No. 14
14. Minnesota Vikings: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Talk about a gift for the Minnesota Vikings. For whatever reason, this franchise has had a tremendously terrible time at trying to fix their offensive line. Whether it’s been draft misses, free agency misses, or a number of other things, the play in the trenches remains an area of concern for this franchise right now.
A lot of people have had Kwity Paye mocked to the Vikings throughout the pre-draft process but I’ve already got him off the board. And with that, it’s hard for me to think that any of the other edge rushers would be intriguing to Minnesota at this spot, if at all.
More importantly, Rashawn Slater has fallen right into their lap and he’s a perfect fit for Minnesota. There is an argument that the Vikings need to upgrade at tackle and that would be the natural move for Slater as he played there in college. But there’s also a bigger need at guard and some have projected a higher ceiling for Slater on the interior.
The Vikings would have the chance to experience with the young, polished and talented offensive lineman to find his best fit. Wherever he does fit will give the offense an upgrade to give Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook a better chance for success.
Who I Would Pick: Rashawn Slater