Earlier this week, Josh Norris from Underdog Fantasy identified the Minnesota Vikings as potential dark horse candidates to make a trade-up in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, this trade would not be just any ordinary trade; it would involve the Vikings moving up to the third overall draft pick by trading with the Arizona Cardinals.
Now, let’s examine my 11th mock draft to envision what the draft might look like if the Vikings were to make such a trade and secure the third overall pick.
We will be using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator and the Rich Hill trade chart for any trades.
3. Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud
Vikings Receive: 23rd Overall (245), 87 (48), 2024 1st Round Pick (184), 2025 1st Round Pick (184) = Total 661
Cardinals Receive: 3rd Overall (514) = Total 514
The Vikings mortgaged their future to acquire their successor to Kirk Cousins. Stoud possesses an NFL-level arm with good power and accuracy. He also can make quick reads in the passing game. Ohio State equipped him with a plethora of weapons to work with and now he will have the opportunity to pair with arguably the best wide receiver in Justin Jefferson.
Every move of this nature involves risk, but the Vikings can now begin building their future around a dynamic quarterback and wide receiver duo.
68. Baylor DL Siaki Ika
Vikings Receive: 68th Overall Pick (73), 195th Overall Pick (4) = Total 77
Broncos Receive: RB Dalvin Cook, 119th Overall Pick (24) = Total 24 + Player
The Vikings traded longtime running back Dalvin Cook to acquire a day-two pick. Because they lost Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency, the Vikings require a big-bodied defensive lineman with potential. Despite not testing well, Ika is a strong defensive lineman who exhibits good quickness and strength. With proper development and training, he could become a dependable player at the next level.
158. Purdue CB Cory Trice
Trice possesses the ideal size and length for his position, making him a potential steal in the later rounds. His physicality aligns perfectly with the scheme and mentality that Brian Flores will be implementing. Trice willingly tackles and defends against the run. While not being the most fluid player, he has the potential to become a solid depth piece and even a starter with time.
195. Virginia WR Dontayvion Wicks
Wicks possesses all the skills necessary to play wide receiver at the next level. He has a multitude of moves to release from the line of scrimmage. When the ball is in the air, he tracks it with ease and consistently brings down contested catches. However, Wicks struggles with running after the catch and extending plays. He also struggles with concentration drops. If you draft Wicks, you hope to work with him to eliminate drops and enhance his elusiveness in the open field.
211. Northwestern RB Evan Hull
Hull grew up in Minnesota and now gets to play for the Vikings, making for a great story line. He possesses good vision and burst as a running back. Although he doesn’t showcase great top-end speed, he has shown physicality and effort to fight for extra yards when he’s running. His strongest asset is his ability to pose a threat in the passing game. Any team would make a solid pick by selecting Hull on day three.
