Vikings take Oregon S Jevon Holland in Todd McShay’s ESPN mock draft
Minnesota safety Anthony Harris was given the franchise tag this offseason and the deadline has passed to work out a long-term deal this year.
With Harris’ future up in the air, Todd McShay of ESPN predicted that Minnesota will fill that position in the first round of the 2021 Draft.
McShay tabbed the Vikings to take Oregon safety Jevon Holland with the No. 21 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Here’s what he said about Holland and the Vikings:
“Defensive tackle is a bigger need — though 2020 opt-out Michael Pierce will be back next season — so Shelvin or USC’s Jay Tufele could be the choice for Minnesota. But Holland, who I mentioned as a reach earlier in this mock, now becomes a great value at No. 21 overall. And he fills a hole, with Anthony Harris on an expiring contract and Harrison Smith turning 32 in February. Holland, the top safety on the board, has nine interceptions over the past two seasons, displays strong open-field tackling ability and shows some pop in the punt return game. He high-points the ball and attacks it, a skill set that would help keep the Vikings among the elites in interceptions (tied for third in 2019 with 17).”
If Holland’s ball-hawking ability translates to the NFL, he could be a solid pick. Minnesota might struggle to pay both of its safeties. If that’s the case, it could be beneficial to sign a promising player on a rookie contract.
