4 draft prospects Brian Flores might want for the Vikings defense in 2023
By Clay Vasquez
Siaki Ika – DL (Baylor)
Siaki Ika is a player that is rising up the draft boards every single day, and for good reason. He is an absolute mountain of a man at 6-foot-4 and 358 pounds, which is exactly what you want on the defensive interior.
Ika is widely regarded as the third-best interior defensive lineman in this draft pool, and in a class that has Jalen Carter and Bryan Breese, being third could have you first in many other drafts.
Khyiris Tonga is a fine player at the nose tackle position, but Ika would be a very clear upgrade for Minnesota. A line of Dalvin Tomlinson, Harrison Phillips, and Ika would be lethal when you add in that Brian Flores is likely to blitz a lot too.
Ika has the traits to be a game wrecker up the middle, not only in the run game but in the passing game as well, as he possesses the ability to get to the quarterback.
If the Vikings want to get more aggressive on defense, adding one of the most aggressive players in the draft to their defensive front is the place to start.