Vikings Mock Draft: Minnesota Trades Up from No. 23, but Not for a QB
Josh Frey
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Folks, we’ve saved possibly the most controversial Vikings mock draft for last. There has been some more buzz in recent weeks for the Vikings trading up for a QB, but what if they trade up for a non-quarterback prospect? Today, in the final Vikings mock draft before the event begins on Thursday evening, we explore what that scenario could look like.
Day 1
Trade
Vikings Get:
- No. 13
Jets Get:
- No. 23
- No. 158
- 2024 second-round pick
Round 1, Pick 13: CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
If we really break down this draft class, there are maybe 10-15 prospects that can be considered ‘sure-thing’ Day 1 starters. Joey Porter is one of those prospects, so it would make sense for the Vikings to jump at the opportunity to take him here.
Minnesota has a major need at cornerback, particularly corners that can be starters in the NFL. Porter brings terrific potential to the NFL because of his size and length, and he is extremely intelligent in pass coverage. The Jets have very little need for a corner as well, so they jump at the chance to pick up another selection for 2024.
Day 2
Round 3, Pick 87: EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn
Things really could go either way for Derick Hall at the NFL level. Either his elite athletic ability will allow him to thrive as a pass rusher, or his small stature at 6’2 and 250 pounds will cause trouble against bigger, longer offensive linemen.
The Vikings could find themselves with a major need at EDGE seeing as they have uncertainty concerning the status of Za’Darius Smith for 2023, and both Marcus Davenport and Danielle Hunter are currently set to hit free agency next offseason. Minnesota takes a chance on a high-upside EDGE for those reasons.
Day 3
Round 4, Pick 119: WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU
Remember this guy? Heading into the 2022 college football season, Kayshon Boutte was widely considered as a top-5 receiver in this class, if not the best. However, due to a controversial beginning to his season and some overall underwhelming production, he has plummeted down to the third day of the draft.
That being said, when he’s at his best, Boutte is an elite route-running talent, making effortless moves to get himself open. Pairing him with Justin Jefferson not only gives the Vikings an intriguing LSU duo at wide receiver, but it also allows the Vikings to open up more opportunities on the offensive side of the ball.
Round 6, Pick 211: EDGE Ali Gaye, LSU
Again, the Vikings are a couple losses away from being in dire need of talent at the EDGE position. Ali Gaye likely won’t be the guy to fill all that production, but his great length and ideal size gives the Vikings yet another option for reps as a pass rusher.
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.