The Minnesota Vikings didn’t have many picks to work with in the 2023 NFL Draft, but they chose wisely with the ones they did.
Minnesota targeted skill with its six selections, trading around the board to land the players it wanted.
How did the Vikings do? Here’s our 2023 Minnesota NFL Draft Recap.
Vikings NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 23 Overall: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
- Round 3, Pick 102 Overall (Special Compensatory From SF): Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
- Round 4, Pick 134 Overall (From KC): Jay Ward, CB, LSU
- Round 5, Pick 141 Overall (From LV via IND): Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU
- Round 5, Pick 164 Overall (From SF): Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
- Round 7, Pick 222 Overall (From DEN via SF): DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
Vikings NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Vikings odds and futures betting markets.
Vikings Draft Grade 2023
Vikings NFL Draft Grade: B
Our Frank Ammirante gave the Vikings a B grade. He praised their selection of Addison, the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner, who is “a polished receiver who can make make an impact from Day 1."
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Vikings Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Cornerback
Minnesota allowed the NFL’s second-most passing yards against (4,515, 265.6 per game) then watched its top-four corners Patrick Peterson, Chandon Sullivan, Duke Shelley, and Cameron Dantzler leave via free agency. The Vikings added Byron Murphy from the Cardinals, but their other four corners have combined for three starts in the NFL.
Look for the Vikings to add at least one more corner to shore up their secondary.
2. Defensive Line
Minnesota finished 20th in rushing yards against and tied for 21st in the NFL in sacks (38), despite Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith each posting double-digit sack seasons. The Vikings could thus use an interior rusher and run-stuffer to help linebacker Jordan Hicks.
3. Running Back
The Vikings are likely to either trade or cut veteran starter Dalvin Cook in a cap-saving move before training camp that will also pass the reins to Cook’s longtime backup Alexander Mattison.
Minnesota will likely target a backup for Mattison and/or a pass-catching option since its three running backs beyond Cook combined for just 89 carries and 317 rushing yards and 17 catches for 112 receiving yards in 2022.
Vikings May Also Consider Drafting: Inside Linebacker, Wide Receiver
Vikings NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 23 Overall: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
As of April 6, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Vikings will pick the Yellow Jackets’ leading pass rusher. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Vikings NFL Draft Pick History
Vikings NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 1, Pick 32 (32nd Overall): Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
- Round 2, Pick 10 (42nd Overall): Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
- Round 2, Pick 27 (59th Overall): Ed Ingram, G, LSU
- Round 3, Pick 2 (66th Overall): Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
- Round 4, Pick 13 (118th Overall): Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
- Round 5, Pick 22 (165th Overall): Esezi Otomewo, DE, Minnesota
- Round 5, Pick 26 (169th Overall): Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina
- Round 6, Pick 5 (184th Overall): Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois
- Round 6, Pick 12 (191st Overall): Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State
- Round 7, Pick 6 (227th Overall): Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina
