The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2023 NFL Draft looking to shore up a defense that ranked 28th in the league during the 2022-23 season. The most significant need on defense was at the corner position. The cupboard was bare at this position after the team released Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler, and Chandon Sullivan.

Another defensive vacuum was created when defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson left in free agency and signed with the Cleveland Browns. They needed another interior pass rusher to put heat on opposing quarterbacks. New defensive coordinator Brian Flores was licking his chops thinking about the possible additions to his attacking defense.

Minnesota Vikings Draft Needs

The Vikings also had some obvious needs at wide receiver and depth at linebacker and offensive line. The team was somewhat hampered in their quest for additional talent due to the fact that they only had five picks in this year’s draft. Surely Vikings GM “Trader” Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had some tricks up his sleeve to garner the team more draft selections.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings’ GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah – Andy Kenutis/Minnesota Vikings

When the draft started and as it got closer to the Minnesota Vikings’ time “on the clock,” there was much speculation as to what their next move would be. Would they trade up to draft one of the top quarterbacks in the draft? Would they trade down for the opportunity to draft additional defensive prospects? Or would they hold firm and keep the 23rd pick and select the best player available?

Then to add more drama to the situation, one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the draft, Will Levis from Kentucky, was getting bypassed by team after team. There was a strong chance that the Vikings would have a chance to select their quarterback of the future. I had chosen Levis in my DTF mock draft, so I was feeling a little smug at that moment.

Minnesota Vikings Select Addison

When the time came for the Minnesota Vikings to make their pick, they threw a little curveball to their fans and the NFL draft experts. With the 23rd pick in the draft, the Vikings selected wide receiver Jordan Addison from USC. This was a good value pick because Addison was ranked in the mid- 20’s on most draft boards.

Jordan Addison Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the First Round of the 2023 NFL Draft - On3

Vikings WR Jordan Addison – David Eulitt/Getty Images

He is a smallish receiver, but he runs great routes and is extremely quick. He projects to be a slot receiver in the NFL. He will be a nice compliment to the Vikings’ star receiver Justin Jefferson.

Minnesota might have been influenced into making this pick due to the fact that the Seahawks, Chargers, and Ravens had selected wideouts in the three picks preceding their first-round selection. This despite the fact that highly rated cornerbacks such as Deonte Banks from Maryland and Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. were still available at that point in the draft.

Minnesota Vikings Get Defensive

Next, the Minnesota Vikings executed a trade to increase their draft stock. The team sent their 87th pick to San Francisco for the 49ers’ 102, 164, and 122 picks in this year’s draft. With the 102nd draft slot, the team selected cornerback Mekhi Blackmon from USC. Blackmon is a physical player who should fit nicely into coach Flores’ man-to-man coverage scheme. He gets a little handsy at times, but the Vikings hope to coach that out of him.

The Vikings continued with this theme with their next pick. Right before that pick, however, the team completed a trade with Kansas City in which they traded down and swapped fourth-round picks. Minnesota also acquired the Chief’s fifth-round pick in next year’s draft. With their fourth-round pick, the Vikings chose defensive back Jay Ward from LSU.

Versatility is the key with Ward. In college, he had a considerable amount of snaps at slot corner, outside corner, and at the safety position. He is an aggressive ball defender who does a great job with run-stopping support. On the smallish side, he makes up for it with his physical play—projects to be a slot corner in the NFL.

During the fifth round, the Minnesota Vikings completed their last trade of the night. The team traded up with Indianapolis to procure the 141st pick in the fifth round. In return, the Colts received Minnesota’s 158th (5th rd.) pick and also their 211th (6th rd.) selection.

2023 NFL Draft: Jaquelin Roy Selected 141st by Minnesota Vikings - And The Valley Shook

Former LSU DT Jaquelin Roy (99) – David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With their fifth-round pick, they selected defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy out of LSU. Roy is a push pass rusher with great hands and a stable base of attack.  He will need to be more explosive and consistent with his overall play to excel in the NFL.

With their final two picks of the day, the Vikings went offensive. They picked up quarterback Jared Hall from BYU in the fifth round to provide some additional backup for starter Kirk Cousins. Hall is a cerebral quarterback with the ability to complete the different levels of throws. He has some mobility but was injury prone at BYU.

BYU QB Jaren Hall Declare For NFL Draft - Vanquish The Foe

Former BYU QB Jaren Hall – Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

He also needs to do a better job of looking off his receivers and feeling the incoming pass rush with more consistency. Definitely, a project, but the Minnesota Vikings’ staff were happy with his overall portfolio. His presence also meant that the team did not have to reach for a quarterback earlier in the draft.

How About the Offense?

With their final pick, the Vikings selected running back DeWayne McBride of UAB. With the impending departure of star running back Dalvin Cook, the team wanted to fortify the position with additional talent. Considered a steal at this draft position, this highly productive back has excellent hands and is very strong at the point of contact. He seldom was used in UAB’s passing attack, so the jury is still out on his capabilities in this area.

The Minnesota Vikings brass, as a whole, are very pleased with their draft. Although the true value of a draft is hard to ascertain until several years have passed, the team is satisfied that they have addressed their biggest position concerns. It’s now up to coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff to coach these “players up.” All eyes will be on the second-year coach as he works to rebuild the defense and enhance his explosive offense. Skol Vikings!!!