Vikings’ Mock Draft Roundup 2.0
Our mock draft roundup has returned for the season of mock drafts
Every week, we track mock drafts from mainstream outlets and add up how many players are selected. Last season, there were 173 mock drafts. Only 10 of those were on offense. The same could happen this season.
We will keep track of them, try to identify trends and patterns, and give my analysis on how they might fit with the Minnesota Vikings
Utah CB Clark Phillips II
Nov 12, 2022 Salt Lake City (Utah), USA. Clark Phillips III, cornerback for the Utah Utes, warms up before a game against Stanford Cardinals at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray – USA TODAY Sports
Who:
Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling
Pro Football Network’s James Fragoza
These mock draft roundups are going to feature cornerback. Phillips III, a smaller cornerback, can do a bit of everything. Phillips III can play in the slot, outside and matchup with larger receivers. Phillips III, who is a great addition to the Vikings’ slot team, would be an excellent choice.
Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez
Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez hauls in an interception as the No. 9 Oregon Ducks take on No. 21 Oregon State Beavers take on the No.
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Who:
NFL Draft Bible Staff
Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar
The smoothest cover corner in the class, Gonzalez is both athletic and large at 6’2″ and 200 lbs. His ability to stay with a receiver while attacking the ball will appeal to teams who prioritize man coverage.
Stanford QB Tanner McKee
Nov 26, 2022, Stanford, California, USA. Tanner McKee (18, Stanford Cardinal quarterback) throws a pass to the Brigham Young Cougars in the first half of Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti USA TODAY Sports
Who:
Pro Football Focus’ Mike Renner
I find this one absurd. Yes, the Vikings must decide on a future quarterback. Taking one here is theoretically a good idea. With all that said, taking McKee, who won’t have a grade above round three for me, didn’t show anything that should have him in the conversation to be a first-round quarterback. PFF are the only people who rate McKee high in the industry.
Clemson LB Trenton Simpson
Trenton Simpson, a Clemson defensive linebacker, tackles Drake Maye (10, North Carolina quarterback) during the second half of the ACC Championship football match at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte (North Carolina), Saturday, December 3, 2022.
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Who:
CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson
Bleacher Report Scouting Department
While this pick may make sense if the Vikings move on from Jordan Hicks and Eric Kendricks, I struggle to imagine it becoming a reality. With Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s background, taking a non-premium position in the first round for a second-straight season doesn’t add up for me. The player is very good in both the run and the pass games, but in the first round is not quite something I’m comfortable with yet.
Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon
Nov 6, 2021 Minneapolis, Minnesota USA. Devon Witherspoon (31) celebrating a win against Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Who:
The 33rd Team Scouting Department
Sports Illustrated’s Richie Bradshaw
CBS Sports’ Kyle Stackpole
Both analysts and fans will love this game. Witherspoon is an extremely talented and aggressive player who can do a lot of things. Analysts are beginning take notice of Witherspoon. This likely reflects what the league thinks about him. Don’t be surprised if he starts appearing higher in mocks, with 10 being the likely ceiling.
LSU EDGE B.J. Ojulari
Nov 26, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman (15) passes for a touchdown over LSU Tigers defensive end BJ Ojulari (18) during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
Who:
SB Nation’s J.P. Acosta
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso
Ojulari is a great choice for a team of 3-4 players. Ojulari, a smaller, quicker edge rusher, will thrive on standing up on edge with his quick first move and ability to bend. He is likely to be there on round two, but he’s a good fit with the Vikings.
Texas A&M CB Jaylon Jones
Oct 29, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jaylon Jones (17) tackles Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) in the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn, USA TODAY Sports
Who:
USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Jones is the fifth cornerback the Vikings mockdrafted this season. He is larger and has a lot more length than most. Jones thrives in zone. Jones would make a great addition to the Vic Fangio-style defense.
Michigan DL Mazi
Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras gets hit by Michigan defensive player Mazi Smith (58), as he throws during a NCAA college game at Kinnick Stadium. It took place in Iowa City on Saturday October 1, 2022.
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Who:
Yahoo! Sports’ Charles McDonald
The Vikings will have to replace two starters on their defensive line as Jonathan Bullard and Dalvin Tomlinson are free agents. Smith was the top freak on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List and is an incredible athlete on the interior for the Wolverines.
SMU WR Rashee rice
Nov 26, 2022 in Dallas, Texas, USA. Rashee rice (11) is a Southern Methodist Mustangs wide receiver who catches a touchdown ball against the Memphis Tigers at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Rice broke the SMU single season receiving yard record with this catch. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones, USA TODAY Sports
Who:
The Vikings should strengthen their offensive tools and that means adding another wide receiver. K.J. Thielen, Adam Thielen, will turn 33 next season. After 2023, Osborn will become a free agent. Rice is the perfect size and elite speed to win at catch point and race against defenders. Jefferson is a dominant player at the intermediate level of the field. This makes him the ideal player to partner.
Ohio State WR JaxonSmith-Njigba
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Who:
This is a player with whom I struggle. Smith-Njigba has a great technical background and is very savvy. However, I find him slow on tape. I expect him running a 4.62-second 40 yard dash. While he does get separation, 89% his snaps in 2021 came from the slot with an easy and free release. Why should he be valued in that slot when there are better and faster receivers? It’s something that will be a major topic of discussion.
Baylor DT Siaki Ika
Credit: Jerome Miron USA TODAY Sport
Who:
Pro Football Network’s Oliver Hodgkinson
Ika was selected because he would make a great nose tackle. The Vikings currently have that with Harrison Phillips, so unless you want to move him to defensive end, I don’t think the selection makes much sense. This player is an exceptional athlete who can play three down on the defensive sideline.
USC WR Jordan Addison
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Who
The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez
Selection breakdown
Here’s who the Vikings are mocked through 32 mock drafts and two weeks. With 13 selections, Cornerback is the favorite so far.
|
CB Devon Witherspoon |
5 |
|
CB Clark Phillips III |
3 |
|
CB Christian Gonzalez |
3 |
|
S Antonio Johnson |
2 |
|
WR Jaxon Smith–Njigba |
2 |
|
WR Rashee rice |
2 |
|
LB Trenton Simpson |
2 |
|
EDGE B.J. Ojulari |
2 |
|
OT Peter Skoronski |
1 |
|
OT Blake Freeland |
1 |
|
CB Cam Smith |
1 |
|
EDGE/LB Drew Sanders |
1 |
|
OT Anton Harrison |
1 |
|
WR Zay Flowers |
1 |
|
QB Tanner McKee |
1 |
|
NT Siaki Ika |
1 |
|
WR Jordan Addison |
1 |
|
DL Mazi Smith |
1 |
|
CB Jaylon Jones |
1 |