4 Vikings who could be replaced in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Adam Patrick
Za’Darius Smith – OLB
It’s already a pretty big surprise that Za’Darius Smith is still a current member of the Vikings. Many thought Minnesota would find a way to release or trade Smith by this time during the offseason.
The Vikings could still be planning to move on from the veteran pass rusher, but his departure could depend on what the team does during the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
Minnesota did add veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport in free agency this year. But he’s only under contract for a single season, so there are plenty of reasons to believe the Vikings could look to add a young pass rusher to their roster with one of their 2023 draft picks.
Regardless of where the player is selected, if Minnesota ends up using a draft pick on an edge rusher this year, Smith’s exit from the team before the start of the 2023 season will be extremely likely.