Third Round (Pick No.87)
Daiyan Henley - LB (Washington State)
The Vikings could also use a young linebacker to pair with Brian Asamoah. That wasn't a need that was mentioned earlier, but Jordan Hicks' play was subpar a season ago, and an upgrade is needed.
Henley is a versatile and talented guy who could fall into round three and push Hicks for his starting job. It's that versatility that is going to get him on the field early in his career. He can be dropped into coverage, can play up on the line, can rush from the edge, and also play a more traditional read-and-react type of linebacker role.
He's quick to diagnose plays and then flies to the football. He's a solid tackler and was ultra-productive in his five years of college ball, racking up 256 career tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, and five interceptions.
He's also a fun-loving, high-character guy who will not just be a fan favorite, but a favorite in the locker room as well. Henley would be a huge score for the Vikings at pick No. 87, and one that when we look back at the 2023 NFL Draft, we will say, "How did this guy make it to the third round?"