2023 NFL Draft: Seven-round post-free agency Vikings mock draft

Sixth Round (Pick No. 211)

Ricky Stromberg – C (Arkansas)

The Vikings brought back Garrett Bradbury on a three-year, $15.75 million contract in free agency, but with his $4.9 million in guarantees buried in a 2024 roster bonus, that basically is a one-year prove-it deal.

With too many holes to address the position early, the Vikings would be best served to look late in the draft, and it could lead them to Ricky Stromberg.

Stromberg was a four-year starter at center for the Razorbacks and made the Rimington Trophy Watch List as one of the top centers in the nation. The 22-year-old also played in a run-heavy scheme at Arkansas, but he did his best work in a zone-based scheme with an 84.8 PFF grade on zone blocking grades.

Kevin O’Connell mentioned that improving the efficiency of the running game would be a priority heading into next season, and those comments preceded the signing of run-blocking tight end Josh Oliver and running back Alexander Mattison.

With Stromberg also allowing just 11 hurries in 12 games, he does enough in pass protection that he could either push Bradbury for a starting spot or be a developmental prospect to take over in 2024.