Vikings Mock Draft: Vikings Select a Day 2 Quarterback
Josh Frey
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The NFL scouting combine took place this past week, and a number of prospects that took part could be rising or falling on draft boards as a result of the events. It seems that the top four QBs are officially locks to go within the top 10 picks of this draft, so they may be out of reach for the Vikings at No. 23 even via trade.
Because of that, in today’s mock draft, we are going to analyze what a potential trade down in the draft could look like while also snagging a quarterback with one of the Vikings Day 2 picks. Here’s what I came up with for this Vikings mock draft.
Day 1
In this mock draft, the Minnesota Vikings don’t make a selection during the first round of the draft. Instead, with the top QB prospects quickly going off the board, they opt to move the 23rd overall pick, moving down the board into the second round. Here’s the full trade as it went down:
Vikings get:
- Round 2, Pick 38
- Round 3, Pick 70
- Round 6, Pick 204
Raiders Get:
- Round 1, Pick 23
Day 2
Round 2, Pick 38: Arkansas LB Drew Sanders
Drew Sanders is an immediate fit on the Vikings defense because of his prowess as a pass rusher and incredible athleticism at the off-ball linebacker position. Especially in a Brian Flores defense, the combination of he and Brian Asamoah could be a deadly duo for opposing offenses.
Round 3, Pick 70: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
Last week we had the Vikings trade up to draft a quarterback, and this week they trade down to do so. With the additional Day 2 pick that they pick up from their trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota goes ahead and takes Hendon Hooker.
Hooker may not be ready for the start of the 2023 NFL season because of a torn ACL suffered down the stretch of his 2022 season, so there’s a decent chance he falls this far. The Vikings could let him heal up and potentially develop him into their QB of the future.
Round 3, Pick 87: Boise State S JL Skinner
JL Skinner’s name has come up a couple times throughout these mock drafts now, and it’s for good reason. He brings ridiculous size, strength, and speed to the safety position, and oftentimes, he looks more like a de facto linebacker than a defensive back. With Harrison Smith getting older, and some uncertainty regarding Lewis Cine, perhaps Skinner can be a backup plan.
Day 3
Round 4, Pick 119: Michigan DL Mike Morris
The Vikings have an underrated need on their defensive line, especially without any guarantee that Dalvin Tomlinson will be in a Vikings uniform next season. Mike Morris is an imposing presence at the line of scrimmage and should be a contributor right away in Minnesota.
Round 5, Pick 160: TCU EDGE Dylan Horton
We’re sticking with the defensive front heading into the fifth round of the draft as well with the Vikings selection of Dylan Horton. Minnesota has two quality starters in Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith, but they could still use some production from other depth pass rushers. Horton fills that role nicely.
Round 5, Pick 177: Kansas State RB Deuce Vaughn
Deuce Vaughn was the shortest prospect ever measured at the combine at 5’5, but don’t let that scare you. His biggest strong suit on the football field is his ability to catch screen passes and pile up yards after the catch. With the Vikings continued uncertainty at the position and lack of pass-catching talent in their backfield, it may be wise to take a flyer on the speedy back.
Round 6, Pick 204: Michigan K Jake Moody
The Vikings may be looking to find a replacement for Greg Joseph this offseason after he had went through significant ups and downs throughout the 2022 season. Some have pointed out the free agency options for Minnesota, including veteran Robbie Gould, but perhaps the Vikings could turn to the player that made more field goals in college football than any other during 2022.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. 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.