Vikings 7-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Danielle Hunter traded and replaced

How would the Minnesota Vikings approach the 2023 NFL Draft if they were able to complete a trade that involved pass rusher Danielle Hunter?

On Monday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Minnesota Vikings will likely be without veteran pass rusher Danielle Hunter during the voluntary portion of their OTAs this year.

Fowler added that Hunter’s absence is likely due to the fact that the three-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to make less than $6 million for the 2023 season.

Hunter‘s contract was always set up for a negotiation to take place this year. Now Minnesota must decide if they want to extend the 28-year-old pass rusher or possibly see what they can get for him in a trade package.

For this mock draft, let’s say Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decides to move on from Hunter and put him on the trade block.

Danielle Hunter Trade

Minnesota Vikings Receive:

• 2023 Second-Round Pick (50th Overall)
• 2023 Fifth-Round Pick (153rd Overall)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Receive:

• Danielle Hunter – EDGE
• 2024 Fifth-Round Pick

With Tom Brady no longer on the roster, the Bucs will look to put the majority of their assets into the defensive side of the ball, especially with Todd Bowles still being their head coach.

Tampa has nine selections in this year’s draft, so they can afford to give up a couple of picks to land a very talented pass rusher in Hunter.

For Adofo-Mensah and Minnesota, they end up being able to acquire a second-round pick back in return for their veteran pass rusher after they sent their original second-round selection to the Detroit Lions last year in the trade for tight end T.J. Hockenson.

With two additional picks to work with after sending Hunter to the Bucs, how might the Vikings and their second-year general manager decide to use their selections in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft?