We’ve officially reached the day of the 2023 NFL Draft. Rumors are flying, smokescreens are infiltrating our discussions, but we can’t help but be fascinated with every bit of information we hear. In this case, we turn to the Minnesota Vikings, who hold the 23rd pick on Day One.
Like every other NFL team, the Vikings have plenty of needs. Unfortunately, they have just five picks in the three-day event. Not only are they handicapped this year, the Vikings are already without their third, fifth, and seventh-round picks in 2024.
Yet, Kirk Cousins is also entering the final year of his contract, and the only other QB on the roster is journeyman backup Nick Mullens. With so much uncertainty at the most important position in football, the Vikings are a popular choice to potentially target a top-ranked signal-caller in this year’s draft class. Except, hoping one of the top four to five options falls to No. 23 may be far too risky for second-year GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to rely on.
Instead, according to Sportsnaut’s Benjamin Allbright, the Vikings are working the phone lines, trying to trade up in Round 1. Obviously, such a move would require an absolute haul, depending on how high the Vikings are looking to climb.
Anywhere in the top ten or top five would surely include their 2024 first-round selection in addition to No. 23. Yet, any move up at all may require their future first-round pick too, since they have few other assets to offer, aside from maybe Dalvin Cook or Za’Darius Smith, depending on their value.
Related: 2023 NFL mock draft: Final 2023 NFL Draft predictions, Rounds 1-3 projections
As to who the Vikings may be targeting in a potential trade up? The only correct answer here would be a quarterback. That could be anyone from C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, and yes, even Hendon Hooker, whose stock continues to soar.
Yet, most smoke seems to point to Richardson or Levis. Two unknowns, who have plenty of question marks. If Richardson and/or Levis are the targets, this would seem to indicate the Vikings are intrigued by the unique cannon-armed mobility each prospect offers.
Whether the Vikings have enough capital to pull off a draft day blockbuster remains to be seen, but they are certainly a team who needs to plan for the future at QB. Maybe those plans come to fruition tonight.