The Vikings have some big needs on both sides of the ball. One of the team’s most glaring weaknesses is at defensive end.
Minnesota had a lackluster pass rush in 2020. The Vikings presumably get Danielle Hunter back, but the defensive end spot opposite to him remains a concern.
So CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan has Minnesota filling that spot in the first round of his mock draft by taking Miami DE Jaelan Phillips. Here’s what Sullivan wrote:
“Minnesota could go with an offensive lineman here, but it also needs help rushing the passer. So long as Phillips is healthy, he’s an edge rusher that can come in and immediately help Mike Zimmer’s team get after the quarterback after the Vikings recorded the fifth-fewest sacks in 2020.”
If the Vikings can manage to land a defensive end and trade to get a second-round pick, the team could be in a good place to fill its big openings with solid prospects.