Predicting the Impact for Each Vikings’ Rookie in 2021

The Vikings had a fantastic 2021 NFL draft, and should get plenty of impact from a handful of their selections. Minnesota was able to find contributors on each side of the ball, and most notably the offensive line. The Vikings are finally agreeing to contracts with their draft picks, and rookie mini camp is starting up. So, it’ll be interesting to see the level of impact each rookie makes from the get-go.

1. Christian Darrisaw

Christian Darrisaw
Images Courtesy of MSP Athletics / @MSPathletics on Twiiter

Darrisaw was an absolute steal towards the end of the first round of the draft. It is almost unheard of that an NFL-ready left tackle makes it that far down in the draft. Darrisaw will be able to come in day one and make an impact from the start. The Vikings could have a future pro-bowler on their hands.

Prediction: Starting Left Tackle

2. Kellen Mond

Kellen Mond
Image Courtesy of SecSports.com

Mond will take a year or two of learning from Kirk Cousins before he gets any playing time. Mond has all the tools and abilities to eventually become an NFL starting quarterback. But he has a lot to learn, and it helps that he is able to sit behind a very knowledgeable veteran signal caller. It wont’t be this season, but the third round pick could make an impact in a year or two.

Prediction: Back-up Quarterback

3. Chaz Surratt

A lot of people scratched their heads at this selection, but Surratt is a Mike Zimmer kind of a linebacker. Surratt is athletic and he can run with just about anyone. Zimmer will figure out unique ways to use him. He may not have a ton of impact this season, but he could be a future starter on this defense.

Prediction: Rotational linebacker with the ability to start in the future

4. Wyatt Davis

Sep 7, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Wyatt Davis (52) against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

My favorite selection of the entire draft. Davis was an absolute steal in the third round and will slide right into the starting lineup. Davis has a lot of beef on him, but his athleticism is also underrated.

Prediction: Starting offensive guard

5. Patrick Jones II

Jones is athletic defensive end that the Vikings love to take flyers on in the middle round. Andre Patterson is a wizard with these guys. Expect Jones to have an impact this season.

Prediction: Rotational edge rusher

6. Kene Nwangwu

Nwangwu is electric with the ball in is hands, so expect Kubiak to get him somewhat involved in the offense. The Iowa State alum will also make a big difference in the return game, where the Vikings truly need all the help they can get.

Prediction: Gadget player and kick returner

7. Camryn Bynum

Another very underrated selection by Rick Spielman. Bynum played corner in college, but will transition effortlessly to safety in Mike Zimmer’s scheme. Bynum may not start this season, but his future is very bright.

Prediction: Back-up safety and core special teamer

8. Janarius Robinson

Another athletic defensive end selected by Rick Spielman. Andre Patterson publicly stated that Robinson was “his guy,” so it’ll be very fun to watch the former Seminole grow under Patterson’s tutelage.

Prediction: Rotational edge rusher

9. Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Iowa’s Ihmir Smith-Marsette returns a 98-yard kickoff for a touchdown in the second quarter against USC during the Holiday Bowl on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at the SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, Calif. 20191227 Holidaybowl

The former Hawkeye is a a speedster who can absolutely fly down the field. He will make his way into the wide receiver rotation before we know it, and he also might be the favorite as punt returner.

Prediction: WR3/4 and punt returner

10. Zach Davidson

Davidson is a very intriguing prospect, and he has a lot of potential. Davidson is 6’7″, so he could eventually be a mismatch for opposing defenses. But it’s going to take a good amount of time to get him there.

Prediction: Practice squad player who could eventually be called up

11. Jaylen Twyman

If you haven’t seen Twyman’s reaction to being drafted, you should check it out. Twyman opted out of 2020 to take care of his family, but in 2019 the man was an absolute beast. He LOVES to get after opposing quarterbacks. This could be a big hit for Rick Spielman.

Prediction: Impact rotational defensive tackle

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