8 Players the Vikings Should Draft | VT Writers
Dustin Baker
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VikingsTerritory writers were asked to provide one single draft preference apiece for the Minnesota Vikings. They were instructed to choose a trade-up, trade back, or remain at the No. 23 spot.
Each writer somehow came up with a different selection — a totally random outcome.
8 Players the Vikings Should Draft | VT Writers
The NFL draft occurs on April 27th in Kansas City, so 16 days away.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)
Ohio State
Prediction Maker = Adam New
I’m a big fan of Ohio State WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba. If the Vikings could somehow snag the Buckeye to partner Justin Jefferson, they could have the best group of offensive pass-catchers in the league, including TJ Hockenson, KJ Osborn, and Jalen Nailor as the speed merchant.
To make it happen, the Vikings may have to trade up, which feels unlikely, but in my fantasy scenario, Kevin O’Connell is just as enamored by Smith-Njigba as me.
The Vikings trade up to pick 14 with the New England Patriots to land Smith-Njigba, sending pick 23 and 2024 2nd-Rounder to New England.
2. Jordan Addison (WR)
USC
Prediction Maker = Ali Siddiqui
The Vikings need another WR with Adam Thielen gone. KJ Osborn had a good year, but will he be a true WR? Maybe someday. Maybe not in 2023, though.
Yes, they can still use a CB but can take one later. Addison could make this offense that much better and could really help whoever Kirk Cousins’ replacement will be eventually.
3. Zay Flowers (WR)
Boston College
Prediction Maker = Cole Smith
With the Vikings first pick, I want Zay Flowers. They need another player to take pressure off of Justin Jefferson, and Flowers possesses the speed and short-area quickness to do so.
Quarterback is tempting and would send everyone into a frenzy, but with the lack of draft capital needed to move up (and with this year’s crop of QBs being somewhat questionable), they give the offense another weapon instead.
4. Bryan Bresee (DT)
Clemson
Prediction Maker = Dustin Baker
Firmly convinced the Vikings will trade back, Bresee is the pick to finally give the Vikings an advantage on the interior of the defensive line. There was a temptation to plop Will Levis here and “hope he falls” to the Vikings so the franchise doesn’t have to spend trade capital for the “guy after Kirk.”
Joey Porter is probably the safest bet, and taking him over Bresee soothes a more pressing roster need. There’s also the allure of snagging Bijan Robinson, truly giving Minnesota a Top 5 offense with weaponry in Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Robinson — indefinitely.
But Bresee is the choice because the Vikings haven’t employed a fearsome pass-rushing DT since Sharrif Floyd, and he left the team too soon due to injury.
Porter, Robinson, or Levis (at No.23 — no trade-up) would be fine, but let’s roll with Bresee.
5. Joey Porter Jr. (CB)
Penn State
Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry
Admittedly, I’m torn between several options. Left in charge of the purple personnel — thank God I’m not — I’d load up on pass rushers like my life depended on it.
Even still, I’ll overlook EDGE and instead toss in corner Joey Porter Jr. as a player I’d be thrilled to see at No. 23. A long and strong corner who can press? Sign me up.
6. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (QB)
UCLA
Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt
The Vikings trade down into the second round of the draft to collect some more draft picks along the way and take a stab at the QB of the future.
Thompson-Robinson has some elite tools, especially his athleticism and playmaking ability are phenomenal, which leads to a high upside. He is the best option at the position when the Vikings expectedly miss out on the top QBs.
7. Brian Branch (S/CB)
Alabama
Prediction Maker = Josh Frey
Stay put, pick Brian Branch.
I think Branch is an extremely talented player, and if he’s available with the 23rd overall pick, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should sprint the pick to the podium. He’s listed as a safety but played the majority of his snaps as a slot corner this past season.
He is one of the best tacklers in this class out of the secondary as well, and he will bring instant energy to Minnesota’s defense.
8. Hendon Hooker (QB)
Tennessee
Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler
Let’s go Henson Hooker. The answer is truly Anthony Richardson, but the price is too steep.
Forget his age. Hooker has looked legit the last two years. Whether Cousins is moved or not, allow yourself to truly overhaul the roster in 2024.
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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