The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the 2023 season with aging edge rushers Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith. Both players were key members of the Vikings’ defense last season, but as they get a little older, there might be a focus on adding depth at the position to ensure a strong pass rush in the future.
On Tuesday, Adam Stites of Jaguars Wire helped the Vikings address that need in his latest mock draft by selecting Georgia edge Nolan Smith.
“The Vikings won 13 games thanks mostly to its top 10 offense that made up for a defense that finished the regular season with the second most yards allowed. That unit proved costly as the Giants put up 31 points in the playoffs to boot Minnesota on Wild Card Weekend. Adding another edge rusher would be a boost.”
Many fans will likely want someone who can step in right away and make an impact on this team immediately, so Smith might not make them happy. If the Vikings do go this route it would give them a player they can build their defense around for the future while also allowing him to develop behind Hunter and Smith.
