The Minnesota Vikings own the No. 23 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and could go in various directions with that selection. Despite going 13-4 during the 2022 season, this is a roster with a ton of holes and a defense that desperately needs to add youth.
MinnesotaBets.com takes a quick rest from Minnesota sports betting updates to bring you what Vikings fans want in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Surprising 23rd Overall Pick Desire for Vikings Fans
So what do the Vikings fans want them to do in the first round? MinnesotaBets.com gathered 125 results via Facebook and Reddit on who the fans of the Vikings want them to pick at No. 23 and the findings were fascinating. Here are the results:
The most interesting part of the finding is that more than 55 percent of the votes were for a wide receiver. And that makes a lot of sense given that the team released former Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen this offseason. Outside of Justin Jefferson, the receiving corps of the Vikings leaves a lot to be desired.
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Vikings Fans Want More Wide Receivers
The favorite pick for fans of the Vikings is none other than USC WR Jordan Addison. Addison was highly productive at Pittsburgh and USC, racking up over 3,000 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns over the last three seasons. The only real knock on Addison is his lack of size (he weighed in at 173 pounds at the NFL Combine). He tested as an average athlete at the NFL Combine, but his route running and reliable hands would make him a perfect complement to Jefferson.
The next target at wide receiver for the Vikings is Quentin Johnston of TCU. He is the complete opposite of Addison as he's a fantastic athlete with ideal size (6'2, 208 pounds). He is incredibly dynamic after the catch and can be used all over the field. However, Johnston isn't a polished player, and the Vikings would need to manufacture him touches early in his career. However, he has the highest ceiling of any receiver in this class and might be worth gambling on at pick No. 23.
The other receiver worth mentioning here is Zay Flowers, who received 12 percent of the votes from the fans. Flowers is a small, compact receiver with fantastic speed. He mostly played out of the slot at Boston College, but he has the physicality and aggressive mindset to play on the outside in the NFL. If the Vikings want to add more speed to their offense in Round 1, Flowers would be a fantastic fit in Minnesota.
Once sports betting is legal in the state, BetMGM Sportsbook Minnesota is expected to be among the top sportsbooks to choose from.
Cornerback Position Also on Vikings Fans Minds
If the Vikings opt not to pick a receiver in Round 1, fans would love to see their team select a cornerback. The most frequent name associated with the Vikings is Deonte Banks from Maryland. Banks dominated the NFL Combine, running a 4.35 40-yard dash with a 42” inch vertical. He’s one of the most athletic cornerbacks to enter the league in recent years, but he needs to clean up a lot of the technical aspects of his game. Still, he is a worthwhile gamble in Round 1 due to his insane combination of size and athleticism.
Another cornerback garnering votes is Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr. The son of former Pro Bowl linebacker Joey Porter, the Penn State defensive back is widely considered one of the top 15 players in this class. Yet, of all the names mentioned, he is the least likely to be on the board when the Vikings pick. But if he is, this feels like a home-run fit given his fit in Minnesota’s defense.
The Vikings could also try to address other positions of need in Round 1, such as defensive end, offensive line, or even quarterback. But based on the results found here, expect the Vikings to target a wide receiver or cornerback in Round 1.
Minnesota Caesars Sportsbook is expected to have all the Vikings odds once sports betting is legal in the state.
