8 Bold Draft Predictions for Vikings

Sep 8, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A Minnesota Vikings fan looks on prior to a game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

VikingsTerritory writers were asked to provide one single bold draft prediction apiece for the Minnesota Vikings this week. These are those.

Each writer somehow came up with a different selection — a totally random outcome.

8 Bold Draft Predictions for Vikings

The NFL draft occurs on April 27th in Kansas City, so two days away. Remember — bold means to think outside the box, disregarding the safety of making a vanilla prophecy.

Here are the VikingsTerritory writers’ musings on bold predictions for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

1. No CB until Day 3

8 Bold Draft
Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson defensive back Andrew Booth (DB04) talks to the media during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports.


Prediction Maker = Adam New

The Vikings have more confidence in Andrew Booth and Akayleb Evans than people on the outside. They’ll add depth to the CB room, but it won’t come until Day 3.

2. A QB Drafted in Round 3

Nov 19, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (1) throws against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports.


Prediction Maker = Ali Siddiqui

Plain and simple — Minnesota will take a QB in the third round.

3. Trade into Top 5 for QB

A Draft Darling for Vikings Is Tumbling
Dec 31, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs away from the pocket to throw a touchdown pass to Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18), not in photo, against Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the Peach Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. © Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK.


Prediction Maker = Cole Smith

The Vikings do trade up into the Top 5 for a quarterback, but they also end up with an additional 3rd round pick on top of Pick 87.

4. Two Trades before Picking at All

Lottery Ticket QB
Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on before the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.


Prediction Maker =
Dustin Baker

Minnesota used to employ Trader Rick, but then they switched to Trader Kwesi, who trades more than Spielman. It’s wild.

This draft’s supposed “sweet spot” is between picks 20-100, so Adofo-Mensah will load up in the range. But while doing so, the Vikings trade back twice before selecting their first prospect.

This will enrage some fans, but that’s the cost of doing business. Two trade-backs — then the first Vikings pick of the event, perhaps on Friday night.

5. 8 Picks; 5 Defenders; 2 CBs

Apr 26, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Mike Hughes (Central Florida) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number thirty overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports.


Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry

Going into the event with five selections, the Vikings finish off having made eight picks. Need more? Put me down for two corners and five defenders overall. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah makes a concerted effort to give Brian Flores all he needs to succeed in Year 1 as the team’s defensive coordinator.

6. Vikings Don’t Make 1st-Round Selection

NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl-Texas Christian at Michigan
Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mazi Smith (58) celebrates a play against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports


Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will trade down in the draft to acquire a couple of Day 2 draft picks. He did it last year and will do it again this year. More lottery tickets increase the likelihood of winning.

7. Stay Put and Pick at No. 23

A Top CB Prospect Met
Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) reacts following a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.


Prediction Maker = Josh Frey

Pretty much everyone from 15-on in the 1st Round should be looking to trade down in this year’s draft. That doesn’t bode well for the Vikings chances of actually pulling a trade to acquire more draft capital, especially Day 2 capital. Minnesota will stick-and-pick at No. 23.

8. Vikings Draft Anthony Richardson or Hendon Hooker

These 5 QBs Could
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson (QB11) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Tennessee
Prediction Maker =
Ted Schwerzler

This is straightforward, folks — whatever it takes, the Vikings move to get either Anthony Richardson or Hendon Hooker.


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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