NFL Draft Grades - Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota Vikings Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (5)
2023
Pick 23. (R:1 P:23) -
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Grade: A
No one is going to question this need. If Justin Jefferson goes down this year, Minnesota's No. 1 receiver would be K.J. Osborn. Jordan Addison is a gifted receiver who easily could have gone several picks earlier than this. I love this pick.
Grade: A
No one is going to question this need. If Justin Jefferson goes down this year, Minnesota's No. 1 receiver would be K.J. Osborn. Jordan Addison is a gifted receiver who easily could have gone several picks earlier than this. I love this pick.
2023
Pick 87. (R:3 P:24) - Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
Grade: A+
I love Ji'Ayir Brown. He's not the biggest or fastest safety, but he's the most instinctive safety in this class. Because of that trait, he can start for the 49ers on Day 1, which is essential because San Francisco had a big need at the position.
Grade: A+
I love Ji'Ayir Brown. He's not the biggest or fastest safety, but he's the most instinctive safety in this class. Because of that trait, he can start for the 49ers on Day 1, which is essential because San Francisco had a big need at the position.
2023
Pick 119. (R:4 P:17) - Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech
Grade: C-
I don't get why the Chiefs traded up for Chamarri Connor, when he should have been available late in the draft. However, he fills a need, as the Chiefs lost Juan Thornhill this offseason. Connor is a solid in run support.
Grade: C-
I don't get why the Chiefs traded up for Chamarri Connor, when he should have been available late in the draft. However, he fills a need, as the Chiefs lost Juan Thornhill this offseason. Connor is a solid in run support.
2023
Pick 158. (R:5 P:23) - Daniel Scott, S, California
Grade: B
Daniel Scott is an athletic player with good size, but the production didn't match at California. Perhaps the Colts can get him to live up to his potential. I like the value for Scott, whom I had in the fourth round.
Grade: B
Daniel Scott is an athletic player with good size, but the production didn't match at California. Perhaps the Colts can get him to live up to his potential. I like the value for Scott, whom I had in the fourth round.
2023
Pick 211. (R:6 P:34) - Titus Leo, ILB,
Grade: B-
Titus Leo has potential as an athletic pass rusher. Obviously, the competition at Wagner wasn't the best, so he'll need to prove that he belongs in the NFL.
Grade: B-
Titus Leo has potential as an athletic pass rusher. Obviously, the competition at Wagner wasn't the best, so he'll need to prove that he belongs in the NFL.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Vikings have a miserable secondary, but Brian Flores can coach up lesser players. Meanwhile, the receiving corps is very thin. If Justin Jefferson goes down, K.J. Osborn will be the No. 1 wideout.
Jordan Addison has game-breaking speed, and he had an incredible 2021 campaign with 17 touchdowns. He's a major reason why Kenny Pickett was drafted in the first round.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Hendon Hooker, QB - New regimes mean new quarterbacks, and Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his contract.
2. Christian Gonzalez/Deonte Banks/Emmanuel Forbes, CBs - I'm sure Vikings fans clearly recall the terrible Giants receivers getting open easily in their playoff loss.
Round: 3
Minnesota Vikings: Clark Phillips, CB, Utah
The Vikings have an extremely weak group of cornerbacks, save for Byron Murphy. They'll need two or three corners from this class.
Clark Phillips has some size issues, but has plenty of talent as a potential slot corner.
Round: 4
Minnesota Vikings: Zach Harrison, DE, Ohio State
Two of the Vikings' top three edge rushers will be 30 or older during the 2024 season. Some young edge-rushing talent could be acquired.
Zach Harrison has nice potential with his athletic ability.
Round: 5
Minnesota Vikings: Rezjohn Wright, , Oregon State
Given the Vikings' problems at cornerback, it wouldn't surprise me if they drafted three players at the position.
Rezjohn Wright is a big corner with good tape from Oregon State.
Round: 6
Minnesota Vikings: Starling Thomas, CB, UAB
As I said earlier, three cornerbacks are in play for the Vikings.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 23. (R:1 P:23) -
Jordan Addison, WR, USC
A No one is going to question this need. If Justin Jefferson goes down this year, Minnesota's No. 1 receiver would be K.J. Osborn. Jordan Addison is a gifted receiver who easily could have gone several picks earlier than this. I love this pick.
A No one is going to question this need. If Justin Jefferson goes down this year, Minnesota's No. 1 receiver would be K.J. Osborn. Jordan Addison is a gifted receiver who easily could have gone several picks earlier than this. I love this pick.
2023
Pick 87. (R:3 P:24) - Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
A+ I love Ji'Ayir Brown. He's not the biggest or fastest safety, but he's the most instinctive safety in this class. Because of that trait, he can start for the 49ers on Day 1, which is essential because San Francisco had a big need at the position.
A+ I love Ji'Ayir Brown. He's not the biggest or fastest safety, but he's the most instinctive safety in this class. Because of that trait, he can start for the 49ers on Day 1, which is essential because San Francisco had a big need at the position.
2023
Pick 119. (R:4 P:17) - Chamarri Conner, S, Virginia Tech
C- I don't get why the Chiefs traded up for Chamarri Connor, when he should have been available late in the draft. However, he fills a need, as the Chiefs lost Juan Thornhill this offseason. Connor is a solid in run support.
C- I don't get why the Chiefs traded up for Chamarri Connor, when he should have been available late in the draft. However, he fills a need, as the Chiefs lost Juan Thornhill this offseason. Connor is a solid in run support.
2023
Pick 158. (R:5 P:23) - Daniel Scott, S, California
B Daniel Scott is an athletic player with good size, but the production didn't match at California. Perhaps the Colts can get him to live up to his potential. I like the value for Scott, whom I had in the fourth round.
B Daniel Scott is an athletic player with good size, but the production didn't match at California. Perhaps the Colts can get him to live up to his potential. I like the value for Scott, whom I had in the fourth round.
2023
Pick 211. (R:6 P:34) - Titus Leo, ILB,
B- Titus Leo has potential as an athletic pass rusher. Obviously, the competition at Wagner wasn't the best, so he'll need to prove that he belongs in the NFL.
B- Titus Leo has potential as an athletic pass rusher. Obviously, the competition at Wagner wasn't the best, so he'll need to prove that he belongs in the NFL.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 32. (R:1 P:32) -
Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
B+ Grade
I absolutely hated the Vikings' trade with the Lions. This selection, however, is much better. Minnesota easily could've drafted Kyle Hamilton at No. 12. They needed a safety, so they'll settle for Lewis Cine, who definitely fits the range at the end of the first round.
B+ Grade
I absolutely hated the Vikings' trade with the Lions. This selection, however, is much better. Minnesota easily could've drafted Kyle Hamilton at No. 12. They needed a safety, so they'll settle for Lewis Cine, who definitely fits the range at the end of the first round.
2022
Pick 42. (R:2 P:10) -
Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
A Grade
The Vikings needed someone to cover all the talented receivers they gave to their divisional foes. Andrew Booth is whom I mocked to Minnesota at No. 34 in my re-draft, so I love this value. Booth could've gone at No. 25, so this is a stellar pick.
A Grade
The Vikings needed someone to cover all the talented receivers they gave to their divisional foes. Andrew Booth is whom I mocked to Minnesota at No. 34 in my re-draft, so I love this value. Booth could've gone at No. 25, so this is a stellar pick.
2022
Pick 59. (R:2 P:27) -
Ed Ingram, G, LSU
A- Grade
I mocked Ed Ingram to the Vikings at No. 46, so I like this pick. Ingram is a tough run blocker with good athleticism. He'll fill a big need for Minnesota's miserable offensive line. Kirk Cousins' pass protection absolutely had to improve, and Ingram will make that happen.
A- Grade
I mocked Ed Ingram to the Vikings at No. 46, so I like this pick. Ingram is a tough run blocker with good athleticism. He'll fill a big need for Minnesota's miserable offensive line. Kirk Cousins' pass protection absolutely had to improve, and Ingram will make that happen.
2022
Pick 66. (R:3 P:2) - Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
C- Grade
The Vikings aren't having the best draft. Brian Asamoah is a bit of a reach here, as he was projected to go late third at the very earliest. He's an athletic player, and he fills a need, but the Vikings could have moved down and gotten him or taken someone better.
C- Grade
The Vikings aren't having the best draft. Brian Asamoah is a bit of a reach here, as he was projected to go late third at the very earliest. He's an athletic player, and he fills a need, but the Vikings could have moved down and gotten him or taken someone better.
2022
Pick 118. (R:4 P:13) - Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
B Grade
There's good cornerback value here in the fourth round, so I don't think the Vikings needed to trade up necessarily. They surrendered a 2023 fourth-rounder to get Akayleb Evans, so that'll weigh down this grade. I like Evans though, as he's a tall corner with good athleticism, and we know the Vikings need corners.
B Grade
There's good cornerback value here in the fourth round, so I don't think the Vikings needed to trade up necessarily. They surrendered a 2023 fourth-rounder to get Akayleb Evans, so that'll weigh down this grade. I like Evans though, as he's a tall corner with good athleticism, and we know the Vikings need corners.
2022
Pick 165. (R:5 P:22) - Esezi Otomewo, DE, Minnesota
B- Grade
The Vikings are familiar with this local player, who will be a fine depth fit in the team's new 3-4 defense. I never slotted Esezi Otomewo into any of my mock drafts, but he was always in consideration in the late rounds.
B- Grade
The Vikings are familiar with this local player, who will be a fine depth fit in the team's new 3-4 defense. I never slotted Esezi Otomewo into any of my mock drafts, but he was always in consideration in the late rounds.
2022
Pick 169. (R:5 P:26) - Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina
C- Grade
This pick neither fills a need or provides value. Ty Chandler is a late-round/UDFA guy, and the Vikings have a log jam at running back. Chandler can catch passes out of the backfield well, but I can't see him contributing anytime soon.
C- Grade
This pick neither fills a need or provides value. Ty Chandler is a late-round/UDFA guy, and the Vikings have a log jam at running back. Chandler can catch passes out of the backfield well, but I can't see him contributing anytime soon.
2022
Pick 184. (R:6 P:5) - Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois
B Grade
Offensive line depth is always welcome, and Vederian Lowe brings tons of starting experience with him. He has a decent chance of making the roster. I thought he would go around this range, maybe a bit later.
B Grade
Offensive line depth is always welcome, and Vederian Lowe brings tons of starting experience with him. He has a decent chance of making the roster. I thought he would go around this range, maybe a bit later.
2022
Pick 191. (R:6 P:12) - Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State
B Grade
Jalen Nailor missed some action last year, but he was projected to go in this range, so that didn't cost him his draft position. The Vikings needed receiving depth with Adam Thielen turning 32, so this is a solid choice.
B Grade
Jalen Nailor missed some action last year, but he was projected to go in this range, so that didn't cost him his draft position. The Vikings needed receiving depth with Adam Thielen turning 32, so this is a solid choice.
2022
Pick 251. (R:7 P:30) - Isaih Pacheco, RB, Rutgers
C Grade
Isaih Pacheco was fast in college, but I don't think that'll translate to the NFL. He doesn't break any tackles and doesn't possess any positive tools for an NFL running back.
C Grade
Isaih Pacheco was fast in college, but I don't think that'll translate to the NFL. He doesn't break any tackles and doesn't possess any positive tools for an NFL running back.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 78. (R:3 P:14) -
Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina
B+ Grade
I suspected the Vikings would address their linebacker situation after they struggled so much in that regard once Eric Kendricks got hurt there last year. Chazz Surratt is a versatile player who can rush the passer and make plays in coverage. This is a solid choice, as Surratt could've gone in the second round without many complaints.
B+ Grade
I suspected the Vikings would address their linebacker situation after they struggled so much in that regard once Eric Kendricks got hurt there last year. Chazz Surratt is a versatile player who can rush the passer and make plays in coverage. This is a solid choice, as Surratt could've gone in the second round without many complaints.
2021
Pick 90. (R:3 P:26) -
Patrick Jones, DE, Pittsburgh
B+ Grade
The Vikings lost several edge rushers in recent offseasons, so it made sense for them to acquire someone like Patrick Jones. The Pittsburgh product has great pass-rushing upside, but he needs to get stronger for the NFL. He's not quite there yet, but he could be a stud one day.
B+ Grade
The Vikings lost several edge rushers in recent offseasons, so it made sense for them to acquire someone like Patrick Jones. The Pittsburgh product has great pass-rushing upside, but he needs to get stronger for the NFL. He's not quite there yet, but he could be a stud one day.
2021 Minnesota Vikings - Prospect:TBD
2021
Pick 125. (R:4 P:20) - Camryn Bynum, CB, California
B Grade
It's interesting that the Vikings announced Camryn Bynum as a safety because I had him pegged as a cornerback. Bynum is a solid, smart player who will potentially fill a huge need the Vikings have in their secondary next to Harrison Smith, thanks to Anthony Harris' departure.
B Grade
It's interesting that the Vikings announced Camryn Bynum as a safety because I had him pegged as a cornerback. Bynum is a solid, smart player who will potentially fill a huge need the Vikings have in their secondary next to Harrison Smith, thanks to Anthony Harris' departure.
2021
Pick 134. (R:4 P:29) - Janarius Robinson, DE, Florida State
A- Grade
The Vikings have lost so many edge rushers in the past couple of offseasons, so they needed to find as many players as possible to get after the quarterback to beat Aaron Rod-, erm- Jordan Love. Janarius Robinson is an explosive athlete with high potential, and I've had him mocked around this range, so this is a solid pick.
A- Grade
The Vikings have lost so many edge rushers in the past couple of offseasons, so they needed to find as many players as possible to get after the quarterback to beat Aaron Rod-, erm- Jordan Love. Janarius Robinson is an explosive athlete with high potential, and I've had him mocked around this range, so this is a solid pick.
2021
Pick 143. (R:4 P:38) - Tyree Gillespie, S, Missouri
D Grade
I don't understand why the Raiders traded up for Tyree Gillespie. He could potentially fill a need, but he's someone I consistently mocked in the final rounds of my mock draft. I don't think anyone was dying to take Gillespie, so there was no need to give up resources for him.
D Grade
I don't understand why the Raiders traded up for Tyree Gillespie. He could potentially fill a need, but he's someone I consistently mocked in the final rounds of my mock draft. I don't think anyone was dying to take Gillespie, so there was no need to give up resources for him.
2021
Pick 157. (R:5 P:13) - Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Iowa
B Grade
Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a speedy receiver who actually fills a slight need for the Vikings. Minnesota obviously has two studs at the position, but nothing else, so insurance was needed. This is about the right range fr Smith-Marsette, who generated some buzz in the final couple of months of the pre-draft process.
B Grade
Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a speedy receiver who actually fills a slight need for the Vikings. Minnesota obviously has two studs at the position, but nothing else, so insurance was needed. This is about the right range fr Smith-Marsette, who generated some buzz in the final couple of months of the pre-draft process.
2021
Pick 168. (R:5 P:24) - Zach Davidson, TE, Central Missouri
C Grade
Zach Davidson is a very good athlete, so while I never had him in my mock draft, he's at least intriguing. Perhaps he can become a productive tight end for the Vikings in the wake of Kyle Rudolph's departure.
C Grade
Zach Davidson is a very good athlete, so while I never had him in my mock draft, he's at least intriguing. Perhaps he can become a productive tight end for the Vikings in the wake of Kyle Rudolph's departure.
2021
Pick 199. (R:6 P:15) - Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
C- Grade
It makes sense that the Vikings would obtain another defensive lineman after losing so many players in that area. However, Jaylen Twyman is not someone I thought would be drafted, as I had him predicted as a UDFA.
C- Grade
It makes sense that the Vikings would obtain another defensive lineman after losing so many players in that area. However, Jaylen Twyman is not someone I thought would be drafted, as I had him predicted as a UDFA.