In Mel Kiper Jr.’s mock draft, Vikings move up to land elite offensive lineman

Could you imagine the Minnesota Vikings actually doing this in the 2021 NFL draft?

This offseason, Minnesota released LT Riley Reiff. The team has yet to add reinforcements to the offensive line in free agency, except for re-signing swing tackle Rashod Hill.

So there is a question over what to do with the unit and, specifically, Ezra Cleveland. Cleveland is coming off a rookie year at right guard, but in 2021 he could play tackle like he did in college. So the Vikings have a decision over whether to add a guard or tackle to shore up the offensive line.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has a suggestion. In his recent mock draft, Kiper Jr. has the Vikings moving up five spots — from No. 14 to No. 9 — in order to land what some consider an elite prospect in the NFL draft.