5 non-QB draft prospects the Vikings should target in 2023

Emmanuel Forbes – CB

Drafting cornerbacks is something synonymous with the Vikings over the last decade. The previous regime spent multiple first-rounders on the position with mixed success, and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah continued this trend by taking former Clemson standout Andrew Booth Jr. at No. 42 overall in 2022.

Booth got his first taste of competitive action on the defensive rotation in Week 10 at the Buffalo Bills, which wasn’t the easiest task against such a high-octane offense. However, the Vikings need him to step up in the coming weeks with Cameron Dantzler on injured/reserve, which will likely determine whether further reinforcements are needed in the secondary next time around.

Patrick Peterson’s age could also see the Vikings go back into the college pool. If this becomes a reality, then examining the exceptional upside of Emmanuel Forbes could be worth its weight in gold.

Forbes has all the makings of a shutdown cornerback at the next level. His size and length make him a force to be reckoned with in press coverage, with the Mississippi State product also putting his physicality to good use on running downs to further increase influence on a three-down basis.

This is the sort of player opposing quarterbacks actively avoid. Forbes’ athleticism can cover even the smoothest route runner, which is something the Vikings have lacked consistently since Xavier Rhodes was at the peak of his powers.

Providing Forbes improves his tackling in the pros, someone is going to have a prospect of tremendous promise on their hands.