Vikings Mock Draft: What Josh Frey Would Do in the 2023 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
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Throughout this offseason, we’ve done a number of Minnesota Vikings mock drafts speculating on what Minnesota could do in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, we haven’t yet firmly planted a flag on what the Vikings should do this upcoming weekend. So with that, here is what your humble author would do if he was running the Minnesota Vikings throughout the draft.
Day 1
Trade
In an ideal world, the Minnesota Vikings will be able to trade down from the 23rd overall pick and pick up more draft capital. As you’ll see in tomorrow morning’s predictions for the draft, the Vikings may have some issues actually accomplishing that feat, but again, this is the happy-go-lucky ideal scenario for the Vikings.
In this spot, a trade that could make sense is with the Houston Texans. Assuming they grab a quarterback at some point in this draft (No. 12 looks more likely than No. 2), they will need to fill out their roster around him. Considering there is a decent chance that wide receivers begin falling in this class, perhaps they jump at the chance to get back into the first round. So, with that soliloquy out of the way, here’s the trade that lands the Vikings additional draft ammo:
Texans Get:
- No. 23 overall
- 2024 fifth-round pick
Vikings Get:
- No. 33 overall
- No. 65 overall
Day 2
Round 2, Pick 33: CB Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Kelee Ringo has all the traits of an NFL corner if you look at size and athleticism. He’s 6’2, weighs over 200 pounds, and ran a 4.36 40. The biggest question, though, is his explosiveness in short ranges against twitchy receivers. His footwork in coverage could get a little sloppy, and he ran the risk of losing his man on intricate routes.
That being said, he was a top-10 recruit in 2020, and he dominates opponents with physicality on the boundary. His recovery speed and length allows him to get back into plays as well even if he temporarily gets beaten. Ringo’s upside is as high as any in this class.
Round 3, Pick 65: LB Noah Sewell, Oregon
Noah Sewell is one of my favorite prospects to watch in this class. It’s just hard not to root for the kid. Not only does he come from an NFL bloodline as a Sewell, but he plays as hard as anyone. His motor is endless, and regardless of where he is on the field, he won’t give up on a play.
The Vikings also have a need at off-ball linebacker, seeing as we don’t really know what they have in Brian Asamoah right now, and we are a Jordan Hicks injury away from seeing either Troy Dye or Troy Reeder step into the starting lineup. Sewell offers some nice depth with potential for growth due to his work ethic.
Round 3, Pick 87: WR Tank Dell, Houston
Tank Dell may be one of the smallest receivers in this draft class at 5’8 and 165 pounds, but he hardly plays like it. He is a touchdown machine out of the slot, scoring 14 times in his final nine games for Houston. Incredible explosiveness makes it extremely difficult to keep up with him, and with some very smooth route-running skills, defenders often look silly trying to guard him.
On top of all that, Dell offers some intriguing opportunities as a punt returner. With his ability to catch the ball and immediately take off at 100%, he could be a game-wrecker on special teams.
Day 3
Round 4, Pick 119: IOL Andrew Vorhees, USC
The Vikings have a sneaky need on the interior offensive line heading into this draft. They’ve largely brought back the same crew from last season, but that group was running very thin with the injuries suffered over the course of the year.
Andrew Vorhees won’t be a factor in 2023 because of the torn ACL that he suffered at the combine, but prior to that injury, he was largely considered a top-100 prospect in this draft. He also has experience at left guard, right guard, and left tackle over his collegiate career at USC. This versatility makes him worth a flyer on Day 3.
Round 5, Pick 158: QB Clayton Tune, Houston
Either Jaren Hall or Dorian Thompson-Robinson would be fine options here too, but the Vikings need to take a shot on a quarterback at some point in this draft and see what they can develop behind Kirk Cousins. Clayton Tune will get knocked for playing in an ‘air-raid’ offense, but he was plenty capable of making off-schedule throws while at Houston, and he is a very mobile player that can extend plays with his legs.
Round 6, Pick 211: CB Mekhi Blackmon, USC
We’re double-dipping into the cornerback position with this pick for the Vikings. They added Kelee Ringo earlier as a prospect that can immediately jump in and compete for a starting job, but regardless, they need more help in the secondary considering the injury history that has plagued the current group at the CB position over the years.
Mekhi Blackmon was a very productive boundary corner for USC last season, allowing 31 receptions on 63 targets. He’s also visited with the Vikings in this process, so there is clearly some level of interest.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.