Redrafting the Minnesota Vikings 2023 rookie class

Fifth-Round Selection No. 1 (141st overall)

Original Selection: Jaquelin Roy - IDL (LSU)

Redraft Selection: Antonio Johnson - DB (Texas A&M)

In this redraft, interior defensive line is not as big of a need as the defensive backs are. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will probably add a veteran interior defensive lineman in the second wave of free agency.

After adding a potential starter in Kelee Ringo in the third round, the Vikings find another potential starter in defensive back Antonio Johnson from Texas A&M.

Johnson may just be the best slot corner in this draft class. If he's not, he's right behind Brian Branch from Alabama. Johnson was labeled as a safety on Texas A&M's roster, but he is a jack of all trades. He not only can play the slot, but he has lined up in both safety positions as well as a little outside corner as well.

Brian Flores loves defensive backs who are versatile, and Johnson would have been a great fit in Minnesota's new defense. Jay Ward may end up having a longer career than Johnson when it is all said and done. However, Ward seems more like a depth/special teams selection.

Johnson also could be the heir apparent to Harrison Smith's role. Johnson is not foreign to learning multiple positions. Although his future most likely lies as a safety, Johnson could see early success inside the slot during his first few seasons in the NFL.