Pro days this month at several college football programs will serve as the de facto NFL scouting combine, which was canceled amid the pandemic.
These trips are where the Vikings personnel department will get the bulk of data from measurements, athletic testing, and position drills for 2021 draft prospects. Medical evaluations, often called the most important piece of the combine, are expected to be scheduled regionally later. Minnesota has the 14th pick on April 29.
The Vikings' roster needs will further crystallize through free agency, beginning soon with decisions coming on the current roster. We've already got our list of the team's five biggest needs to begin March, and five prospects you should know as pro days get underway.
Need No. 5: Receiver
The addition of phenom Justin Jefferson with Adam Thielen maintained the offense's stellar 1-2 punch, but the position's depth remains a question. Bisi Johnson and Chad Beebe have been inconsistent. K.J. Osborn and Dan Chisena are special teamers. Could a mid-round addition provide some versatility?
PROSPECTS TO KNOW
Elijah Moore
Mississippi
The Vikings got their version of a Ja'Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle last year in Jefferson. Bigger needs require addressing with the 14th pick. So, the projected mid-round standouts may start with Moore, if he doesn't go sooner. Moore trailed only Alabama's DeVonta Smith with 86 catches last fall, doing so in eight games. He's a small receiver — listed 5-9 and 184 pounds — but he's a former four-star recruit who lived up to that billing in the SEC. He's one of the top slot receiver prospects and might require a Day 2 investment. Ole Miss' pro day is March 25.
