Vikings Mock Draft: Minnesota Snatches a Hometown Prospect
Josh Frey
|
Mock draft season is in full force with the 2023 NFL Draft officially getting underway a month from tonight. There have been a number of theories as to what the team should do in the first round of this draft, but today, we have the Vikings taking a CB in round 1 while Minnesota also snatches a hometown prospect. Here is a look at the full Vikings mock draft.
Day 1
Round 1, Pick 23: Georgia CB Kelee Ringo
The Vikings signed Byron Murphy in free agency, but outside of that pick, they have not found too many options at corner for the time being. If the Vikings want to take a corner in the first round, that prospect needs to have the athleticism, size, and physicality in order to win one-on-one battles in the secondary.
Kelee Ringo is a prospect that has done that throughout his career at Georgia. His skillset should translate well to the NFL and especially a Brian Flores defense.
Day 2
Round 3, Pick 87: Wisconsin DL Keeanu Benton
Keeanu Benton was one of the many prospects that had an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl back in February. Over his career at Wisconsin, the nose tackle was a ferocious pass rusher from the interior of the defensive line, and he pairs that with an adept run-stopping ability.
Given the Vikings lack of star talent across their defensive line, especially with Dalvin Tomlinson’s departure, this pick in the second day of the draft makes a lot of sense for the Vikings.
Day 3
Round 4, Pick 119: Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry
The Vikings wide receiver room needs another talented pass-catcher, particularly one with the capability of being a speed threat, to take some pressure off Justin Jefferson. Even in the third day, the Vikings can find a player of this archetype.
Here in the fourth round, we have Minnesota taking Wake Forest wide receiver A.T. Perry. Over the past two seasons with the Demon Deacons, the speedy wide out has put up 70+ receptions, 1000+ receiving yards, and 10+ TDs in each of the 2021 and 2022 campaigns. To top it off, he just ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine.
Round 5, Pick 158: Notre Dame IOL Jarrett Patterson
The interior of Minnesota’s offensive line not only could use a bit more depth, but they may need to find a long-term to their left guard position if they don’t get Ezra Cleveland signed to a new contract soon.
Jarrett Patterson has experience at both center and guard, making him a versatile depth option for the Vikings in 2023 while also providing flexibility moving into future years.
Round 6, Pick 211: Minnesota RB Mohamed Ibrahim
The Vikings brought back Alexander Mattison in free agency, but the status of Dalvin Cook’s future in Minnesota remains uncertain. Of course, the Vikings also have Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu on the roster, but it truly is up in the air as to how much they can truly contribute to an NFL offense.
This is where hometown prospect Mohamed Ibrahim comes into play. After suffering a torn Achilles tendon in 2021 that ended his season and draft hopes, he returned to Minnesota with a vengeance in 2022 recording career-highs in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns with 320 carries, 1665 yards, and 20 TDs.
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.