The World Is Starting to Realize Vikings Best Possible Draft Strategy
Dustin Baker
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The 2023 NFL Draft begins in precisely nine weeks, and the Minnesota Vikings are scheduled to pick 23rd in the event. The incoming rookie class is coincidentally deep for the Vikings roster needs — cornerback, wide receiver, EDGE rusher — and that bodes well for a club that wants to avoid a substantial regression from an unforeseen 13-4 season in 2022.
About a month ago, drafting a cornerback with Minnesota’s first pick was the trendy idea.
And while selecting a corner wouldn’t be foolish or shunned, the Vikings have “been there, done that.” In the first two rounds of the draft in the last 15 years, these are Minnesota’s spoils by position:
? 10 DBs
? 7 OL
? 4 WRs
? 2 RBs
? 2 QBs
? 2 LBs
? 2 TEs
? 1 iDL
? 0 EDGE
Therefore, drafting defensive backs is what this generation knows about the Vikings early-round draft dealings. Calling for it once again in the poll must feel like second nature.
However, the rest of the world is starting to realize — endorse, even — an alternative strategy for Minnesota: drafting a wide receiver with the team’s first pick. It’s not universally embraced yet, but the baby steps are there.
The World Is Starting to Realize Vikings Best Possible Draft Strategy
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra analyzed each team’s WR standing on Wednesday, and for the Vikings, he offered a recommendation, “With cap issues (Minnesota is projected to be $24.4 million over the cap) and bigger concerns on defense, the Vikings should look to the draft to add a weapon for Kevin O’Connell’s offense who can take advantage of the one-on-one matchups facilitated by the attention opponents pay to Jefferson.”
Before the Patra espousal, ESPN Todd McShay had WR on the brain for Minnesota in his latest mock draft, theorizing the selection of USC’s Jordan Addison. McShay wrote, “Adam Thielen is entering his age-33 season, so Minnesota could take the best player available here and get a speedy, instinctive running mate for Justin Jefferson. Addison was just shy of 1,600 receiving yards in 2021 at Pitt before transferring to USC and picking up another 875 yards and eight scores. He has versatility to line up outside or in the slot.”
“For those wondering why the Vikings would sidestep their defensive needs — they allowed 5.9 yards per play in 2022, third highest in the NFL — it really comes down to the board. Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson or Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders might fit, but this is still early for both. Remember, free agency still lies ahead,” countered about why he chose Addison over a defensive player.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso likes Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State for the Vikings, “The Vikings dip into the receiver well to complement Justin Jefferson. Awesome value here for the Vikings, given Smith-Njigba’s injury in 2022 pushes him down the board.”
The idea is indeed growing in popularity, but there are skeptics. Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber tweeted last week, “I don’t understand the League experts mocking a WR to the Vikings at 23… did they not watch our defense last year??”
If the Vikings front office aligns with Leber and ignores Patra, McShay, and Trapasso, it must sign a WR2 in free agency, run it back with Adam Thielen, or roll with K.J. Osborn and Jalen Nailor and hope for the best.
But the pizazz of drafting Justin Jefferson’s next co-pilot early in April’s draft is gaining momentum.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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