Vikings Stack Trenches in Latest PFF Mock Draft
Dustin Baker
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In Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft, analyst Michael Renner funnels trench-resources to the Minnesota Vikings – and they are delicious happenings.
The Vikings 2020 season self-destructed primarily due to miserable trench production via offensive and defensive lines. The pass-protecting success [lack thereof] of the offensive line ranked fourth-worst in the NFL. The pass rush generated by the defensive line ranked dead last during the pandemic season. And this was the same head coach and team that boasted Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen on the edges for multiple seasons, so a departure to the musty basement was markedly foreign.
Well, PFF took note of this on Monday for its new mock draft. In the first three picks of the draft, Renner sent two offensive linemen and an interior line defender to Minnesota.
Yes, please.
It is indeed irresistible to daydream about Kyle Pitts, DeVonta Smith, or Ja’Marr Chase in purple and gold, but for the sake of 2021, it is more practical to stack the trenches. Can a franchise really do wrong sitting too deep with its offensive and defensive lines? Probably not.
These are the players that might play in Minneapolis for the foreseeable future if Renner gets his way.
Pick 14 – Christian Darrisaw, OT (Virginia Tech)
Renner sends Darrisaw to the Vikings with the 14th overall pick. He writes:
“It’s unclear what the plan is with tackle-turned-guard Ezra Cleveland going forward, but adding offensive tackles is never a bad thing. Darrisaw dominated a season ago, earning the highest grade in the Power 5.”
If the Vikings have no plan to move Ezra Cleveland back to tackle – his collegiate position – then the team needs a starting left tackle. Darrisaw can be that, if the draft hype is accurate.
Joe Marino of The Draft Network scouts Darrisaw in this fashion:
“From a size, length, and mobility standpoint, Darrisaw firmly checks the boxes and should immediately become an asset to an NFL franchise in pass protection, outside zone runs, and utilizing his exceptional ability to pull and connect with moving targets in space. Like most young offensive linemen, Darrisaw has room to add functional strength to improve his overall power at the point of attack, but it’s far from a deficiency that is of major concern. The amount of technical growth Darrisaw has demonstrated throughout the course of his career is exciting when considering his starting point for the next level and how he peaked at the perfect time. It shouldn’t take long for Darrisaw to earn a starting role in the NFL and he has the upside to become a standout, franchise left tackle.”
Pick 78 – Levi Onwuzurike (Washington)
It’s true that Minnesota inked sizable defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency last week, but planning for further in the future is on the menu for PFF — evidently. Onwuzurike would probably not be asked to start in 2021 – Zimmer has Michael Pierce and Dalvin Tomlinson on deck for both DT spots – but he could develop and prepare for 2022 and 2023.
Here’s the deal on Onwuzurike, per ProFootballNetwork.com
“Explosive, athletic defensive tackle who has blocked punts in the past. Fires off the snap, gets a lot of force going up the field, and can be tough to stop. Clogs the middle of the line, stands up blockers, and works his hands throughout the action. Bull rushes opponents up the field and collapses the pocket. Very intense and chases the action. Onwuzurike showed the ability to be a game changer at Washington, occupying blocks, penetrating the line of scrimmage, and even getting out in space to make plays. He comes with a large upside, but must finish his game to grab hold of the starting job in the NFL.”
Pick 90 – Wyatt Davis (Ohio State)
This one is royally exciting because it would complete the trifecta. That is – the Vikings recognizing that the trenches need help. Davis, if selected in the 3rd Round by the Vikings, would be asked to start somewhat immediately, unless Minnesota signs a veteran guard – a task they have not yet executed.
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com opines on Davis:
“Early in his NFL career, Davis could become a starting right guard. He would be a good fit in a power-man blocking scheme at the next level. He could play in a zone scheme as well. Davis looks like a second-day prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft and a safe pick to turn into a solid NFL starter.”
With no other offensive line-related moves between now and September, the Vikings offensive line would theoretically resemble:
(LT) Christian Darrisaw, (LG) Wyatt Davis, ( C ) Garrett Bradbury, (RG) Ezra Cleveland, (RT) Brian O’Neill