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

First Round (Pick No. 23)

Bijan Robinson – RB (Texas)

With Dalvin Cook already having one foot out the door, it’s going to be hard for the Vikings to pass on former Texas running back Bijan Robinson if he’s still on the board at pick No. 23.

In this scenario, Robinson is still available when Minnesota is on the clock in the first round, and they decide to use their selection on the talented playmaker.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has talked all offseason about getting more efficient when it comes to running the football in 2023, and adding a player in Robinson, who averaged 6.3 yards per carry in three seasons at Texas, should certainly help Minnesota improve their rushing efficiency.

In addition to his rushing skills, Robinson also has an outstanding ability as a receiver out of the backfield. O’Connell would be able to utilize him in a variety of different ways to confuse opposing defenses and help open up even more opportunities for some of the Vikings’ other offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson.