It’s Now Vikings Draft Season — Here’s What to Know
The 2023 NFL Draft is 73 days away, and Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will get a second crack at building his team via collegiate talent.
Last year’s event was highlighted by controversial trades, defense on the brain — the Vikings used five of their first six picks on defenders — and trades galore.
It’s Now Vikings Draft Season — Here’s What to Know
Minnesota appears poised to make a run at the Super Bowl again in 2023, as opposed to rebuilding, so here’s what to know about the Vikings outlook in the 2023 NFL Draft.
4 Picks (Well, 5)
The Vikings draft-capital piggybank is skimpy thanks to trades for Ross Blacklock, Akayleb Evans, T.J. Hockenson, and Jalen Reagor. They only have four picks on tap entering the 2023 draft.
Of course, the Hockeson deal from November seems well worth it, but the other trades are up in the air for “was it worth it?” Some aren’t looking good.
Adofo-Mensah, via his own doing, will be tasked with revamping a roster that caused a home wildcard playoff exodus with four draft picks as of early February.
One more pick will be on the way, though. Former Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin trekked to the New York Jets last offseason, and Minnesota will probably receive a 5th-Round compensatory pick for his departure. The NFL uses a complicated formula to determine the compensatory process, and a 5th-Rounder is likely on the way.
These are the Vikings picks before the Conklin compensatory:
- Round 1, Pick 23
- Round 3, Pick 87
- Round 4, Pick 116 (from DET)
- Round 5, Pick 155
The Draft Needs
Adofo-Mensah arguably has six main roster needs per position — which he can address in free agency (begins in four weeks) or the draft.
These are the needs:
- Cornerback
- WR2
- Off-Ball Linebacker
- Interior Defensive Line
- Center (if Garrett Bradbury leaves)
- EDGE Rusher
The order is debatable, but cornerback stands out because of modern pass-happiness in the NFL. For now, Minnesota has three CBs under contract for 2023 — Andrew Booth, Cameron Dantzler, and Akayleb Evans. Does that inspire confidence for you?
No, the Vikings need one true-blue CB1, and if that turns into Booth, Dantzler, or Evans — great. At the moment, however, none of those men can be classified as a legitimate CB1. Therefore, Adofo-Mensah must use free agency to sign a player like Jamel Dean from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or use one of his first two picks on a corner. Thankfully for his sake, this draft is loaded at two spots — cornerback and EDGE rusher.
Here’s the comprehensive team-need list.
Expect Trades Galore
Adofo-Mensah is a money guy, so it should be absolutely no surprise that the man has traded like a connoisseur in his first 13 months on the job. Only the Las Vegas Raiders traded more than the Vikings in 2022.
During the 2022 NFL Draft, the Vikings young executive traded more than anyone. When he traded draft capital to the Detroit Lions three months ago for the aforementioned Hockenson, he probably knew he could “easily” grab back a 2nd-Rounder in a future deal.
You should prepare for the Vikings to trade out of the 23rd overall pick while stockpiling draft assets. Why? That’s what he did last year, and his philosophy is value-based. He and head coach Kevin O’Connell believe the 2nd Round is a goldmine for talent, and they’re not wrong.
Just like last year, “Kwesi trades” are coming.
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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