2 Weeks’ Worth of Questions as the 2023 NFL Draft Nears
K. Joudry
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As of today, the 2023 NFL Draft is 2 weeks away.
Questions, conjecture, and speculation run rampant as fans, writers, analysts, and, indeed, teams themselves participate in the futile attempt of predicting how things will transpire. At some point, we need to settle into the uncertainty, contenting ourselves in the reality that much of the appeal rests in precisely that factor: the unpredictable nature of the event.
As the anticipation builds, spend a few moments pondering these questions for the Vikings and the 2023 NFL Draft. Take a look at 1 question for every day left before the draft.
Purple Questions for the 2023 NFL Draft
1. How Many Picks Do the Vikings Make?
Heading into the event with just 5 picks isn’t ideal. Based on last year, though, we may reasonably conclude that Minnesota will add more before it’s all said and done. My guess is that they’ll finish the 3-day excursion having picked 7+ players.
2. How Early is Too Early for a QB?
Drafting a QB fulfills Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s competitive rebuild mandate. Retaining Kirk Cousins keeps the team competitive and growing a young QB begins rebuilding the game’s most important position. I’m looking at RD2 and beyond for a QB.
3. Can the Team Only Choose a Single Corner?
There have been a whopping 4 corner subtractions: Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler, Duke Shelley, and (most recently) Kris Boyd. That number swells to 5 if we include slot starter Chandon Sullivan. The only addition has been for Byron Murphy. The team needs corners like fish need water.
4. Will the Edge Rusher Curse Finally be Broken?
2005. That was the last time Minnesota selected an edge rusher in the opening round. Assuming Za’Darius Smith gets traded, the Vikings would have Marcus Davenport and Danielle Hunter as their main pair. When healthy, they can be elite, especially when they join forces. Will they be healthy, though? Adding a young talent may be prudent.
5. Is There Merit in Drafting a Kicker?
Greg Joseph struggled for a decent portion of the 2022 season. Yet, he was clutch when it mattered most, drilling game-winners more often than Aaron Rodgers hops on The Pat McAfee Show. Would it be misguided to let him enter camp without strong competition? Rookie competition can bring out the best in a veteran, just ask Mr. Rodgers.
6. How Much Influence Will Brian Flores Have?
Brian Flores has his work cut out for him. After all, we’re looking at a defense that hasn’t been good since 2019. Since then, the group has been among the very worst in the NFL. Flores isn’t the ultimate decision maker when it comes to the purple personnel, but we may capture a glimpse of his influence in the players who are chosen. Give the chef the ingredients he needs.
7. Will There be an Early Run on Defense?
Last year, the Vikings spent 5 of their initial 6 picks on defense. Very little improved on that side of the ball. In fact, Ed Donatell’s group allowed an average of 25.1 points against per game, the identical mark from the year prior. More youth on defense is needed.
8. Does the Team Bring in WR2 Competition?
I’m a K.J. Osborn believer. Some disagree. The team has been doing work on some of the year’s best young pass catchers. Just like there is no such thing as too many pass rushers on defense, there is no such thing as too many playmakers on offense.
9. How Secure is the iOL?
Sinking a high draft pick into a center or guard would signal that the team isn’t entirely content with the Ezra Cleveland – Garrett Bradbury – Ed Ingram trio. An argument can be made that all 3 spots could improve, though I’m all aboard the Cleveland hype train.
10. Do Players Get Moved for Picks?
Za’Darius Smith and Dalvin Cook: those are the names to watch. Otherwise, the team could plausibly flip one of their lesser-known players for a late-round pick(s). The inverse could also be true, but less likely. Maybe the general manager will be interested in fortifying a particular position via trade even if he has to let one of his coveted draft picks slip out of his grasp.
11. A Trade Up Won’t Happen, Will It?
If I were a betting man, I’d say no. Alas, I don’t bet and I don’t have access into Adofo-Mensah’s internal thoughts. If someone slides who is a perfect fit, the Vikings may be willing to aggressively climb the board.
12. Does Minnesota Target a Position That’s Not Among their Perceived Needs?
Think tight end, fullback, offensive tackle, and safety. Of the listed positions, safety is the most plausible, especially if the player can do several different things well (like lining up in the slot). Going into free agency, no one would have predicted the Josh Oliver signing since TE wasn’t a need. We all ended up being wrong. Maybe lightning strikes twice.
13. Any More NFC North Shenanigans?
Trading within the division is risky business. Equipping the rivals with two young, potentially sensational receivers – Jameson Williams and Christian Watson – is even riskier. Combined, the NFC North boasts the 6th, 9th, 15th, and 18th selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. Any chance Minnesota makes a move for one of those spots? Of course, a trade down into RD2 could also occur. The trio of division rivals own half a dozen RD2 picks.
14. Will Minnesota Walk Away With Day 1 Starters?
Admittedly, it’s impossible to know based on just the draft itself. So much still needs to occur in the spring, summer, and fall. Nevertheless, we can make projections and pencil in players. Securing someone for the secondary, at the very least, feels like a must.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
Any questions I missed? Let me know @VikingsGazette.
