Friday, September 9, 2022

Minnesota Vikings 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Minnesota Vikings from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Vikings:

CBS Sports - Wilson (9/7)

12. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky

If you built a quarterback in a lab he'd look like Will Levis. The Vikings have already moved on from Kellen Mond, the team's 2021 third-round pick, and while Kirk Cousins has been good at times, the team might be hard-pressed to pass on Levis here.

The Draft Network - Crabbs (9/5)

17. Bryan Bresee, IDL, Clemson

Minnesota has some fierce defenders at their disposal but a disruptive interior defender has seemingly evaded them for quite some time. The team traded for Ross Blacklock this summer in an effort to add some athleticism to the interior, but a player like Bryan Breese would up the ante to a whole different level. Pairing him with Danielle Hunter on the defensive front? That's going to cause some problems.

Sporting News - Iyer (9/3)

19. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU

The Vikings also need to think about wideout next year to better complement Justin Jefferson outside as aging Adam Thielen is fading into a limited red zone threat. Johnson has the size-speed profile to play off Jefferson's all-around domination.

SI - Hanson (8/31)

13. Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia

Smith was the top national recruit in 2019 and really started to come into his own in '21. While already an outstanding run defender, Smith lacks polish as a pass rusher. As he continues to refine his pass-rush moves and plan, however, that combined with his explosive athleticism, length and motor give him plenty of upside.

The Athletic - Baumgardner/Tice (8/31)

22. Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon

The Vikings invested in the back end of their defense during the 2022 draft and now have an interesting blend of youth and veterans on that side of the ball. Sewell would give them a proper succession plan at linebacker as Eric Kendricks enters his 30s. Sewell is a balanced linebacker with size, strength and enough athleticism to hold up and coverage. A three-down defender who is a plus against the run would allow the Vikings' defense to continue to play how they want under new coaches.

The Draft Network - Weissman (8/29)

17. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

Minnesota has a solid edge rush duo with Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith, but could certainly use some additional help behind those two—and Smith isn't getting any younger. Notre Dame's Isaiah Foskey is an explosive edge rusher who has a knack for getting to the quarterback. He is still developing his hands and counters, but when he puts it all together, watch out.

Pro Football Network - Fragozza (8/27)

18. Jordan Addison, WR, USC

Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen need a third running mate in the receiving corps. It doesn't get much better than a former Biletnikoff Award winner, given to the nation's best receiver.

Jordan Addison is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, accelerating past would-be tacklers in the blink of an eye. While concentration drops litter his tape, there are two times the amount of highlight-reel receptions.

ESPN - Reid (8/25)

20. Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame

Minnesota's roster is a bit top-heavy in multiple spots, and that includes edge rusher. Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith are the clear starters, but after that, the depth is scarce. Foskey has rotated multiple positions and is still trying to find a home at a particular one, but he projects best as an outside linebacker. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah showed with his first draft class as the Vikings' GM that he values first-step explosion in prospects, and Foskey possesses plenty of that. Foskey is also a playmaker, recording five forced fumbles last season.

MORE TEAMS: All NFL Team Mock Draft Roundups

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