The WR Theme Continues for the Vikings in Recent 2023 Mock Drafts

The WR Theme Continues for the Vikings in Latest 2023 Mock Drafts
Sep 3, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs on the sideline after taking a hard hit during the NCAA football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 NFL Draft is just over a month away, and with a full week of free agency in the books, we’re starting to see which positions teams will need to target with their draft picks. For the Vikings, there is growing support that, especially after the release of Adam Thielen, wide receiver should be the top target for Minnesota in April. The latest 2023 mock drafts have continued to confirm that WR theme for the Vikings.

Not only is wide receiver the main position that analysts are sending the Vikings, but there seems to be one particular wide receiver in mind for Minnesota: Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Sat., Jan. 1, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) races to the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the 108th Rose Bowl Game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Utah Utes at the Rose Bowl. Rose Bowl Game Ohio State Buckeyes Against Utah Utes

In Sports Illustrated‘s latest mock draft, written by The NFL Draft Bible team, they have sent Smith-Njigba to the Vikings. The reasoning behind this pick is the following:

“The Vikings have the most interesting situation that doesn’t seem to be talked about enough. They’re losing the core of their defense that’s aged out and the new regime is starting to reassemble this team. But losing Adam Thielen leaves a giant hole on offense.”

This is a very fair point. Minnesota is in a very interesting spot right now, and it’s easy to be talked into a couple different positions for their first-round pick. If they drafted a prospect at the positions of cornerback, defensive line, EDGE, linebacker, or wide receiver, it’s hard to be mad about it depending on the name of the prospect because Minnesota certainly has needs at all of these spots.

With the loss of Thielen in the offense, and Minnesota’s need for a dynamic pass catcher, Smith-Njigba certainly could be a fit for the Vikings offense. It’s also notable that he played the majority of his collegiate career with the Buckeyes in the slot.

Apr 16, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes Scarlett wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) with the touchdown during the Annual Scarlett and Gray Spring game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

SI isn’t the only publication eyeing Smith-Njigba for the Vikings, though. CBS Sports‘ Ryan Wilson also wrote a mock draft that included the Vikings taking the Ohio State receiver with their first-round pick. Here is what Wilson had to say about the Vikings selection:

“The Vikings parted ways with Adam Thielen, and the remaining wide receivers on the roster are Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor and Jalen Reagor. The Jalens combined for 17 receptions last season. And Osborn, who had 60 catches in ’22, will be a free agent after the season. Enter Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who barely saw the field during the 2022 season because of injuries, but is still one of the top wideouts in the class. It’s easy to forget that he led the 2021 Buckeyes in receptions, and that corps included first-rounders Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, and future first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr.”

The Draft Wire Sends the Vikings an Offensive Weapon in Latest 2023 Mock Draft
Sep 17, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates the win against the Toledo Rockets at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Wilson makes an excellent point here regarding the Vikings current wide receiver room. It may be true that the Vikings don’t desperately need another wide receiver in 2023 with both Jefferson and K.J. Osborn, but Osborn will hit free agency in 2024 and could leave Minnesota to join another team.

Smith-Njigba could be a solid insurance plan in case this scenario plays out next offseason and also gives Minnesota a talented WR2. Overall, it certainly is no sure-thing that the Vikings will draft the Ohio State product or any wide receiver. That being said, we should be prepared for this outcome when the draft arrives.

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.

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