In the second edition of the 2023 NFL Mock Draft Roundup for the Minnesota Vikings this year, who has the team been ending up with lately?
When it comes to mock drafts in the world of major sports, the NFL mock draft is easily the most popular. Fans of the Minnesota Vikings and every other team are constantly checking mock drafts throughout the entire year to see which top prospects could end up on their squad.
As the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine continues to take place this week, who are some of the prospects that have wound up landing with the Vikings in a few of the most recent mock drafts?
NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0: Who are the Minnesota Vikings selecting in 2023?
Mock Draft No. 1: Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports)
- Selection: Deonte Banks – CB (Maryland)
In this mock draft, CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso calls former Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks an “ideal pick” for Minnesota due to his skills in man-coverage, which is likely what the Vikings are going to be looking for from their corners in their first season under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Mock Draft No. 2: Ryan McCrystal (Sharp Football Analysis)
- Selection: Josh Downs – WR (North Carolina)
Minnesota is in need of some more playmakers at the wide receiver position to compliment Justin Jefferson in 2023, and without a ton of cap space, the draft could definitely be the place where they will turn for help.
This is at least what Sharp Football Analysis’ Ryan McCrystal believes when he has the Vikings using their top pick in the first round this year on former North Carolina receiver Josh Downs. “Experience in the slot and in the outside,” is something that McCrystal believes could make Downs a good fit for Minnesota.
Mock Draft No. 3: Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News)
- Selection: Lukas Van Ness – EDGE (Iowa)
If the Vikings choose to move on from Za’Darius Smith or Danielle Hunter this offseason, they’re going to need to find some pass-rushing help in the 2023 draft.
In his latest mock draft, Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer thinks Minnesota will use their first-round pick on former Iowa pass rusher Lukas Van Ness regardless of whether Smith or Hunter are gone before next season or not.
In 13 games with Iowa last season, Van Ness accumulated 37 tackles (10.5 for a loss) and six sacks. Iyer believes that the young pass rusher can be effective for the Vikings in 2023, even if he’s only used as a situational player at first.