6 bold predictions for the Vikings in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Chris Schad
Prediction No. 5
Minnesota will trade down in the first round of the draft
There's a lot of speculation on who the Vikings will take in this year's draft, but there's even more guessing as to when they'll make their first pick. Last year, Minnesota came into the draft with the 12th overall pick but didn't make their first selection until taking Lewis Cine 32nd overall after a trade with the Detroit Lions.
The motive of this trade was to take as many swings as possible in "the sweet spot" of the draft, and after another trade with the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota came out of last year's draft with four players currently projected to be starters next season in Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., Ed Ingram, and Brian Asamoah within the first 66 picks.
There's a good chance the Vikings could be thinking the same way in this year's draft. With a need to add depth as well as fill needs at wide receiver, cornerback, and quarterback, Adofo-Mensah could be looking to add more picks even if he acquires a pick in a trade featuring Cook, Hunter, or Smith.
It won't be the most exciting outcome for Minnesota fans, but it might be the best one to keep the Vikings competitive in 2023.