Vikings 7-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Minnesota focuses on defense
By Adam Carlson
Round 1, Pick 23
CB Cam Smith - South Carolina
Many fans and experts believe that the Minnesota Vikings will trade down with their first round pick to acquire more picks later in the draft. However, if a player like South Carolina defensive back Cam Smith is on the board, it would be difficult to pass on him.
When talking about the biggest needs for the upcoming season, cornerback depth will likely dominate the conversation. Even though Minnesota signed Byron Murphy Jr. and Joejuan Williams, they lost Patrick Peterson in free agency and released Cameron Dantzler, leaving questions as to how this unit will fare this upcoming season.
Smith measured in at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds at the NFL Combine according to NFL.com and is known for aggressively attacking the ball and making good reads but also has a bit of a history of missing games due to injury.
Although Cam Smith isn't a perfect first-round prospect for an NFL team, he would provide excellent value for the Minnesota Vikings when they are on the clock on Day 1 and could develop into a very good player for the purple and gold.