Vikings 2023 NFL mock Draft 1.0: Cornerback addressed in early
The Minnesota Vikings have found themselves in an interesting position this offseason. After trying to run it back with some tweaks in 2022, they won 13 games, but couldn’t get over the hump once the wild-card round came about.
This leaves us with the off-season. What will the Vikings do? What do the Vikings do? Do they try to tear it down, or bring it back in a lighter case than last season?
We will be conducting mock drafts of the Vikings each Wednesday from April until the NFL draft. The mock draft has the Vikings dealing with cornerbacks in the first round.
23. Utah CB Clark Phillips II
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This off-season, the Vikings will have to replace Chandon Sullivan as well as Patrick Peterson. It will be up to them to decide if they want to bring them back, or if they prefer to go elsewhere. Enter Phillips III. A corner with okay size at 5’10”, Phillips III can play both on the outside and in the slot. Phillips III is a strong catcher and can make plays against very good receivers. With both Andrew Booth Jr., and Akayleb Evan returning, this flexibility would be very useful.
87. Notre Dame C Jarrett Patterson
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Garrett Bradbury will become a free agent in March. This is an important position for this offense. They must either sign Bradbury again or find a replacement. Patterson could be that replacement. Patterson was an All-American at Notre Dame and was considered a potential prospect in the first round.
118. Houston WR Nathaniel Dell
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In this offense, the Vikings will need a field stretcher and Dell could be that option. Although he is classified as a second round prospect, his frame is very small and reminds me of DeSean. He will need to reach certain thresholds before teams can take him. However, his speed, agility, and ability to move in space are tremendous.
157. Texas RB Roschon Johnson
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Johnson was a top-20 runningback in college football last season, which may seem strange. Johnson was just behind Bijan Robinson, the best back in America. Johnson doesn’t have a lot of tread on the tires due to being the RB2 in Austin and will fit it well in O’Connell’s scheme while also being able to pass block.
176. Fresno State QB Jake Haener
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Even if you don’t think that Haener will be the quarterback of the future, having a backup that comes at a low cost is a great option. The success of Skylar Thompson and Brock Purdy as seventh-round picks this season speaks volumes about the position. Haener is an experienced quarterback who has a strong arm and can be tougher than a $2 steak. While he could be a starter in NFL, his role as a backup is likely to last 10-15 seasons.
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