6 bold predictions for the Vikings in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Chris Schad
Prediction No. 1
Minnesota will trade Dalvin Cook
An early spoiler alert for this article, but these predictions are going to be dominated by trades. After wheeling and dealing his way throughout last year's draft, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn't afraid to make a deal, and in this year's draft, those deals could include several players.
One player that is almost certain to be dealt is Dalvin Cook. Cook has become one of the greatest running backs in franchise history, becoming one of two Vikings to run for 1,100 yards in four straight seasons. Adofo-Mensah said during his pre-draft press conference that conversations are ongoing to keep Cook in Minnesota, but there are other factors in play.
At 28 years old, Cook comes into the 2023 season with a $14.1 million cap hit. While teams are getting younger and cheaper at running back, the Vikings have been an exception, with just under $20 million in cap hits heading into next season.
On top of the money, Cook was one of the least efficient running backs in the NFL last season, ranking 33rd among 42 qualifying running backs in Football Outsiders' success rate metric, which determines how often a running back keeps an offense on schedule depending on down and distance.
Improving the Vikings' efficiency on the ground has been a focal point this offseason, and keeping Cook around at a high salary wouldn't match up with what Kevin O'Connell is trying to do with his offense.
If it weren't for offseason shoulder surgery, the argument can be made that Cook would already be gone, but with Cook "making excellent progress" in his recovery, there's a good chance that Cook could have a new team by the end of the draft.