5 lively outsiders for the Minnesota Vikings first-round pick in 2023

Which NFL Draft prospects could emerge as lively outsiders for the Minnesota Vikings’ first-round pick in 2023?

The Minnesota Vikings have just five selections during the 2023 NFL Draft right now. That could all change depending on potential trades, but it increases the urgency for the organization to hit on every selection later this spring.

There are many needs to fill despite the Vikings accumulating 13 wins in 2022. The team was a mess defensively and many established figures are either out of contract or at risk of being early cuts to ease Minnesota’s concerning salary cap situation in the coming weeks.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did a lot of maneuvering in his first draft as general manager. Few prospects managed to contribute prominently, although this had a lot to do with the injury complications suffered by Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr.

With that being said, here are five lively outsiders to become Minnesota’s first-round selection in 2023.

Prospect No. 1

John Michael Schmitz – C (Minnesota)

Garrett Bradbury is out of contract and might not return. If that’s the case, the Vikings need to find a replacement capable of making an immediate impact.

Using their first-round pick on the center position wouldn’t be well received considering the extreme needs on defense. But nothing can be ruled out currently and John Michael Schmitz could be an option if this scenario comes to fruition.

Schmitz is the best center prospect in this year’s class and enhanced his stock with a sensational showing at the 2023 Senior Bowl. It’s not a sexy pick – nor does it solve Minnesota’s defensive woes – but there’s no doubt he’d help right out of the gate if Bradbury departs.