3 Bold Predictions for the Vikings Draft

3 Bold Predictions
Mar 1, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks to the media during the 2022 NFL Combine. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

We are approaching the final 24 hours before the storm that is the 2023 NFL Draft officially begins. As the event gets closer, though, it increasingly looks like the one of the more unpredictable drafts in recent memory. Even still, we’re taking the deep, dark plunge into the depths of uncertainty and making a few predictions. Here are 3 bold predictions for the 2023 Vikings draft.

Minnesota Sticks at No. 23

Vikings Get a Physical CB in Todd McShay's Latest Mock Draft
Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) reacts following a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

In an ideal world, the Vikings will find a way to trade down from No. 23 and add an additional top-100 pick if not a couple of them. However, unlike last year when Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was able to swing trades all over the place, everyone wants to do the same thing as the Vikings in this class, especially if you get past the Patriots at No. 14: trade down.

Not only does this likely open up other opportunities for any team that randomly decides to trade up, but it also lowers the value of anyone trying to trade down. You know, the old supply/demand model. Because of that, I don’t believe the Vikings will find a trade partner to move down from No. 23, and instead, they will stick-and-pick, opting for Maryland CB Deonte Banks. Besides, in the most unpredictable draft, wouldn’t it be the most Vikings thing to do the most boring thing possible?

They Don’t Draft a QB

The Pros and Cons of the Vikings Potentially Drafting Anthony Richardson
Sep 10, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) throws the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Secretly, I’m rooting for this to be wrong, and I’ve gone back and forth on this all offseason. On one hand, I would like to be able to get excited about a young quarterback as we head into the summer, especially someone like Anthony Richardson. However, the more I think about it, the more it feels like the Vikings just won’t be able to get into position to grab one of these four.

Maybe they take a flyer on one of the projects later on in the draft, but with so many depth needs at other positions (CB, IOL, DL, LB, WR) while also considering that 1) Nick Mullens is a fine backup who is under contract through 2024, and 2) the Vikings presumably are trying to compete in 2023, so what makes QB3 more important than these other needs?

Dalvin Cook Gets Traded

The Vikings Could Be Shaking Things Up in Their RB Room
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs on the field during warmups before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

By the end of the weekend, we will get a little excitement for the Vikings, and they will swing a trade to move RB Dalvin Cook. I was off this train for awhile, but with the rejuvenated buzz for him going to Miami, it’s hard to ignore it.

Ultimately, the problem with the Dolphins potentially acquiring Cook is two-fold:

  • Miami has a pretty solid RB room as-is
  • They don’t have a ton of draft capital that fits into the range of a Cook trade

So, here’s how the trade goes down: the Vikings get Miami’s sixth-round pick in 2023 (No. 197) and a 2024 fifth-round pick as well while Miami gets the veteran RB. It’s not a ton of capital, but hey, Tom Brady was picked 199th overall.

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.

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