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In all previous iterations of our mock, we've slotted an edge rusher for the Vikings and that still remains a strong possibility. Especially if the Vikings move on from Riley Reiff to create cap space, Darrisaw would make sense here as well. A three-year starter, Darrisaw has continued to improve each season. His athleticism and length will allow him to handle NFL-caliber edge rushers and he's been dominant as a run blocker as well.

It has been nearly a decade since the last time that the first 13 teams all passed on pass-rushers (Seattle took Bruce Irvin at No. 15 in 2012). But the Vikings are seeking more impact players on the edge, and while Paye hasn't necessarily piled on production stats at Michigan (8.5 sacks over his past 16 games), he can slip blocks and has some power. Minnesota's 23 sacks were the NFL's fifth fewest last season.

Courtney Cronin on his fit with the Vikings: Paye could slide in immediately opposite Danielle Hunter at defensive end. If Minnesota doesn't want to rely solely on the Michigan rookie, it could use a combination of D.J. Wonnum -- who proved to be one of the Vikings' best Day 3 picks from 2020 -- and Paye at right defensive end, which would allow for Ifeadi Odenigbo to return to the rotational role where he thrived two seasons ago.

Minnesota's defensive line is essentially barren now -- minus the returning Danielle Hunter -- and Paye has an NFL body with freaky athletic traits.

Coach Mike Zimmer said after a disappointing season that the Vikings had to improve their pass rush. Paye provides a big help in that department. His three-cone drill was off the charts, which the Vikings love, a demonstration of the athleticism that made Paye the “freakiest” athlete in college football, according to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore was awfully tempting here considering how bad the Vikings' interior defensive line was, and they surely would consider trading down with no defensive linemen off the board yet. But if we have to take someone at No. 14, we're going with Paye to improve the pass rush. -- Chad Graff

Last season, the Vikings had just 23 sacks and 186 total pressures -- both numbers ranked in the NFL's bottom five. A precipitous drop from the 48 sacks and 263 pressures Minnesota had in 2019, and given head coach Mike Zimmer's defensive acumen, you'd assume he'd want to do something about that.

At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Rousseau is built like a very pissed-off power forward, and his positional versatility is a big plus. Though he projects obviously as an edge defender with his athleticism, he's also more than capable of kicking inside and providing quarterback disruption between the tackles. He also has the range to cover tight ends and slot receivers on zone drops.

Rousseau will need to work on his array of hand moves and counters -- like most top-level collegiate defensive linemen, he was able to skate by to a degree on his freakish physical gifts. Give him a year and a whole lot of coaching, and you could see his 2019 numbers (15.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, 24 quarterback hurries, and 21 run stops) start to transfer to the NFL.

The offensive line is a priority in Minnesota, but pass rush is a bigger need right now.

Vera-Tucker was among the best interior offensive linemen in the country before kicking out to left tackle last season, then became one of the best players in the nation at that position too. No wonder ProFootballFocus has called him the best offensive lineman in this class.

Coach Mike Zimmer didn't hold back when he called his defense the “worst one I've ever had.” Paye is already an impressive run defender against the spread offense, which is becoming increasingly important in the NFL, and there are athletic indicators he will continue to improve as a pass rusher.