The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of different ways they can go in the NFL draft. There will be some discussion on what needs are most important but the Vikings can address most of them through both free agency and the NFL draft.
I have now done five mock drafts for the Vikings this offseason and they all have taken a slightly different turn each time. This one has the Vikings trading back and focusing on the defense.
Mock draft 1.0
Mock draft 2.0
Mock draft 3.0
Mock draft 4.0
Mock draft 5.0
31. Maryland CB Deonte Banks
The Vikings trade the 23rd overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for picks 31, 123 and 133.
The Vikings could find themselves without a super attractive board at 23rd overall and could easily foresee themselves trading back. If they want to target a cornerback, they also don’t have to worry about forcing one, as the dropoff from 23 to 31 will be minimal.
With Brian Flores’ scheme, the Vikings will be prioritizing cornerbacks who can play man coverage and Banks is among the best in the class. He is physical, tough and attacks the football. Once he trusts himself more often, he will be a very good pro.
87. Bowling Green EDGE Karl Brooks
One of the more unique prospects in this class, Brooks was playing edge for Bowling Green at over 300 lbs and even had some bend to his game. With Flores prioritizing versatility on the defensive side of the football. Brooks could be his Trey Flowers wreaking havoc on the interior for a long time.
119. Stanford WR Michael Wilson
The Vikings need to get a wide receiver in this draft and, while I would want to get one much earlier, you can still get a quality talent in the fourth round. Wilson personifies that and the only reason he’s available at this spot is injuries. Wilson has played in 14 games over the last three seasons due to both injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic. If he can stay healthy, Wilson has the upside to be a really good WR2. A heck of a get in round four.
123. Auburn RB Tank Bigsby
With Alexander Mattison set to be a free agent and Dalvin Cook likely to be a cap casualty, the Vikings will need to address the position. They drafted Ty Chandler in the fifth round last year and he showed some promise in the preseason. Adding another player to pair with him would give the Vikings a fortified backfield.
Bigsby is a big, physical back that has an element of explosiveness. In this running back class, he has been ranked anywhere from 3-15, which leaves some doubt that he would be here. If he is, Bigsby is a great value at 123.
133. Tulane LB Dorian Williams
The Vikings will need a linebacker for at the very least depth for 2023. They could easily move on from both Jordan Hicks and Eric Kendricks and save $14 million against the salary cap. With Brian Asamoah ready to step up into a starting role, the duo of him and Williams would be a dynamic one over the next few seasons.
160. Western Kentucky DT Brodric Martin
The Vikings defensive line is in need of some fortification. We added Brooks already and adding a nose tackle is something they could use. Harrison Phillips played well in that spot but Khyiris Tonga was used more as a 3T/5T and he thrived at those positions. Martin adds the run stopping element to the fold and would be really nice depth for the Vikings.
177. Florida S Trey Dean III
The theme of this draft has been versatility and it continues with the final selection. Dean III was used all over the place for the Gators during his career. He played the STAR position (slot), in the box and over the top. With Lewis Cine coming back from injury to fortify the spots held currently by Camryn Bynum and Harrison Smith, Dean III won’t be asked to play much early on, but that versatility will be valuable.
