Introducing Your 2023 Vikings Draft Class

Young Vikings Receiver
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and after months of evaluation and a hint of speculation, we officially know what your 2023 Vikings draft class looks like. Let’s meet all six prospects drafted by the Vikings this spring.

Round 1, Pick 23: WR Jordan Addison

2023 Vikings Draft Class
Nov 19, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates his touchdown scored againt the UCLA Bruins during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In Jordan Addison, the Minnesota Vikings are getting one of the crispest route-runners in this draft class. Addison is a versatile receiver, able to line up either in the slot or on the boundary. He also is plenty capable of being a punt returner, a role that the Vikings have had trouble filling on a consistent basis over the past few years.

Vikings Select WR Jordan Addison 23rd Overall

Round 3, Pick 102: CB Mekhi Blackmon

Sep 10, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; USC Trojans defensive lineman Solomon Byrd (51) and defensive back Mekhi Blackmon (6) celebrate during the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings absolutely needed to add a cornerback that could compete with the rest of the depth chart to take over the CB2 role behind Byron Murphy. With this selection of Blackmon, Minnesota has done that, and they get a physical corner that is adept in press man coverage. He is a dream fit in a Brian Flores defensive scheme, but the biggest question mark is whether he’ll be able to hold up at just 178 pounds.

Vikings Select CB Mekhi Blackmon 102nd Overall

Round 4, Pick 134: DB Jay Ward

Vikings Select DB Jay Ward with the 134th Overall Pick
Jan 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Jay Ward (16) against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Increasingly in the NFL, the name of the game is finding players that can line up all over the place to keep opponents guessing. Jay Ward is precisely that type of prospect, who over 633 snaps in 2022, played 230 in the slot, 178 on the boundary, 108 in the box, and 104 at free safety for LSU. Ward is a consistent tackler in the secondary and opens up a ton of options for Minnesota.

Vikings Select DB Jay Ward 134th Overall

Round 5, Pick 141: NT Jaquelin Roy

Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) tries to escape from LSU Tigers defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (99) as the Auburn Tigers take on the LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. Aulsu33

The best part of Jaquelin Roy’s game is the fact that he is basically the Energizer bunny on the defensive line. Every single snap, he plays at 100%. ‘Relax’ is not a part of Roy’s vocabulary. Over 14 games for the Tigers this year, the nose tackle played 50+ snaps in nine of them. As a massive nose tackle, it’s rare to find a player with that type of motor.

Vikings Select NT Jaquelin Roy 141st Overall

Round 5, Pick 164: QB Jaren Hall

Nov 26, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jaren Hall (3) throws during warmups before a game against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

It appears the Vikings are staking their claim to Jaren Hall as a developmental ‘QB of the future.’ With Kirk Cousins entering the final year of his contract this season, Hall brings lots of upside as a prospect with his mobility, accuracy as a passer, and decision-making. It remains to be seen if his lack of arm strength will get the better of him at the NFL level, but he should compete with Nick Mullens for the Vikings backup job this summer. If he wins that, then the Vikings may have found something.

Vikings Select QB Jaren Hall 164th Overall

Round 7, Pick 222: RB DeWayne McBride

Nov 13, 2021; Huntington, West Virginia, USA; UAB Blazers running back DeWayne McBride (22) runs the ball against the Marshall Thundering Herd during the fourth quarter at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to be upset about grabbing one of the most prolific running backs in all of college football with your final selection in a draft. DeWayne McBride has terrific balance and vision out of the backfield, and his ability to change speeds on a dime makes him a nightmare to bring down as a rusher. He tallied over 3000 rushing yards and 32 rushing TDs over the past two seasons at UAB, and with uncertainty surrounding Dalvin Cook’s future, grabbing another RB to compete for a roster spot makes sense.

Vikings Select RB DeWayne McBride 222nd 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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