Vikings 53-man roster predictions following 2023 NFL Draft
By Adam Patrick
Linebackers (8)
Outside Linebackers (4)
- Danielle Hunter
- Marcus Davenport
- Patrick Jones II
- Andre Carter II (R)
Inside Linebacker (4)
- Jordan Hicks
- Brian Asamoah
- William Kwenku
- Ivan Pace Jr. (R)
As is the case with Dalvin Cook, it seems unlikely that Za'Darius Smith will be on Minnesota's roster by the time the 2023 regular season begins. The Vikings will attempt to trade Smith, but if no one wants to give anything up for a pass rusher who will turn 31 in September, then he'll probably be released.
Danielle Hunter is another defender who some believe could be playing elsewhere next season. But new Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores will likely do whatever he can to convince Minnesota to keep the dynamic pass-rusher around for the 2023 campaign. Expect the Vikings to give Hunter a new contract this year that increases his salary for the 2023 season and also allows the team to easily move on from him within a year or two.
Andre Carter II and Ivan Pace Jr. are two players that many felt were going to get selected in this year's NFL Draft. But they didn't and now Minnesota gets to see if these two undrafted rookies can help improve the team's pass rush that ranked 22nd in the NFL in sacks last season.