Vikings Fans Have a Clear Plan for the First-Round Pick
The two most valuable decisions the Vikings have to make in the upcoming months are what they will do with their first selection in the 2023 draft and the contract situation of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Like always, one thing influences the other.
Cousins is under contract for one more season. The Vikings could secure his play for more years if the two parties agree on an extension. However, after five years with the team, it could be time to move in a different direction, considering that Cousins will turn 35. Nevertheless, the Vikings can go in many directions in the draft’s first round.
Vikings Fans Have a Clear Plan for the First-Round Pick
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings GM, will be in charge of his second draft on April 27. He has many holes to fill, and there isn’t an obvious position of need. Minnesota’s roster could use an upgrade in numerous areas.
On the defensive side, the Vikings could lose defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency. A replacement for the two-year starter is necessary in that case, and if he stays, Brian Flores’ defense could use some pass rush from the inside, something the Vikings lacked in the last decade. In addition to Tomlinson, Jonathan Bullard is also free to sign with anyone.
Cornerback is also a target in many mock drafts for the Vikings. Patrick Peterson, Duke Shelley, and Chandon Sullivan are free agents and leave a gaping hole. The top CBs on the team are Cameron Dantzler and the two 2022 rookies, Andrew Booth and Akayleb Evans.
Another position the Vikings could look at is linebacker. Both 2022 starters Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks could be cap casualties, and if that’s the case, the franchise would need a running mate for Brian Asamoah.
The needs on offense are not that imminent. Some folks claim the Vikings need to add another dynamic playmaker on the outside because of Adam Thielen’s regression. In addition to that, center Garrett Bradbury is not under contract for 2023 and could depart in free agency. As previously mentioned, the QB of the future could also be on the menu.
Vikings fans agree with the hypothesis that the needs on defense are much more imminent.
The poll was not scientific, but 1,470 Twitter users voted.
The vast majority wants to target the defense in the draft’s first round. Of course, the disastrous game in the wildcard round still stings.
Many mock drafts give the Vikings an additional body for their depleted cornerback room. Cam Smith, Kelee Ringo, Clark Phillips III, Emmanuel Forbes, and Devon Witherspoon are the most common names.
Many people commented that the best strategy is to select the best player available. That is always the right way to go, but if the second-best player on the board addresses a much bigger need, the one spot on the board shouldn’t make a difference. A big problem is reaching for a player to fill a need.
Twitter user Daniel suggests that an offensive player would be more fun, but it is likely not the wise decision: “Mind says defense, but heart always wants offense, especially after how unreliable the wr2 spot was this season. Still, my ideal position in the first is a LB.”
A speedy wideout or the next big thing at quarterback is much more exciting than drafting a defensive tackle or a linebacker. However, all emotions aside, the Vikings defense held the team back in 2022.
Brian Heintz envisions a trade-back scenario. The Vikings controversially traded down all the way to the final pick of the first round and selected Lewis Cine. Former Wall Street Trader and current Vikings GM Adofo-Mensah could use the same strategy again to collect some additional assets, especially because the Vikings only have four picks in the draft and don’t have a second-rounder.
The draft is on April 27, and Adofo-Mensah will be on the clock with the 23rd overall pick.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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