Post by Purple Pain on May 1, 2023 15:44:42 GMT -6
2023 NFL draft grades for all 32 teams: Mel Kiper's steals, sleepers
McShay's best 2023 NFL draft value picks for all 32 teams
Minnesota Vikings: B
Top needs entering the draft: CB, QB, WR, G, DT
The Vikings got just two defensive snaps from rookie safety Lewis Cine, last year's first-round pick, and they entered this draft without a second-rounder because it was dealt for tight end T.J. Hockenson last fall. So while I thought for a little bit on Thursday that they might go for quarterback Will Levis at No. 23, they opted for a prospect who can make an immediate impact. Jordan Addison will fit well as the No. 2 wideout behind Justin Jefferson. Addison can run any route, and he can line up all across the formation. He just knows how to get open.
Minnesota went back to USC for cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (102) in Round 3. I had that one as a little bit of a reach with better corners on the board. I liked defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (141) in Round 5; he can be solid nose tackle. I don't see NFL starter traits for quarterback Jaren Hall, but he was extremely productive over the past two years. I never mind a Day 3 quarterback selection too much. Running back DeWayne McBride (222) is my favorite selection for Minnesota; he is a top-100 prospect on my board. He averaged 155.7 rushing yards per game last season, and he can break tackles in the open field. He isn't likely to be a third-down back as a rookie, but he's a natural runner once he gets the ball.
This is a small class, but Addison fills a massive need. I'm just curious to see how much Blackmon can play as a rookie, because Minnesota has available snaps for him.
Top needs entering the draft: CB, QB, WR, G, DT
The Vikings got just two defensive snaps from rookie safety Lewis Cine, last year's first-round pick, and they entered this draft without a second-rounder because it was dealt for tight end T.J. Hockenson last fall. So while I thought for a little bit on Thursday that they might go for quarterback Will Levis at No. 23, they opted for a prospect who can make an immediate impact. Jordan Addison will fit well as the No. 2 wideout behind Justin Jefferson. Addison can run any route, and he can line up all across the formation. He just knows how to get open.
Minnesota went back to USC for cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (102) in Round 3. I had that one as a little bit of a reach with better corners on the board. I liked defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (141) in Round 5; he can be solid nose tackle. I don't see NFL starter traits for quarterback Jaren Hall, but he was extremely productive over the past two years. I never mind a Day 3 quarterback selection too much. Running back DeWayne McBride (222) is my favorite selection for Minnesota; he is a top-100 prospect on my board. He averaged 155.7 rushing yards per game last season, and he can break tackles in the open field. He isn't likely to be a third-down back as a rookie, but he's a natural runner once he gets the ball.
This is a small class, but Addison fills a massive need. I'm just curious to see how much Blackmon can play as a rookie, because Minnesota has available snaps for him.
McShay's best 2023 NFL draft value picks for all 32 teams
Jordan Addison, WR, USC (Round 1, No. 23)
K.J. Osborn is the only returning receiver not named Justin Jefferson who cracked 180 receiving yards last season, and he had only 650. It's great when you have an elite, top-of-the-league pass-catcher, but it can't be all you have. Minnesota had to address the WR2 spot after Adam Thielen signed in Carolina in free agency, and it was lucky to get one at the tail end of a four-WR run in Round 1.
At 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds, Addison is a small slot receiver who knows how to get separation, hits top speed in a flash and then displays the instincts necessary to create after the catch. He caught 59 balls for 875 yards and eight touchdowns last season, but he was downright dominant the year prior, catching 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 TDs while at Pitt.
I'll also call out getting UAB's DeWayne McBride in Round 7. The late flier on my No. 141 prospect could pay off as running back depth if the Vikings decide to release Dalvin Cook to save some cap space.
K.J. Osborn is the only returning receiver not named Justin Jefferson who cracked 180 receiving yards last season, and he had only 650. It's great when you have an elite, top-of-the-league pass-catcher, but it can't be all you have. Minnesota had to address the WR2 spot after Adam Thielen signed in Carolina in free agency, and it was lucky to get one at the tail end of a four-WR run in Round 1.
At 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds, Addison is a small slot receiver who knows how to get separation, hits top speed in a flash and then displays the instincts necessary to create after the catch. He caught 59 balls for 875 yards and eight touchdowns last season, but he was downright dominant the year prior, catching 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 TDs while at Pitt.
I'll also call out getting UAB's DeWayne McBride in Round 7. The late flier on my No. 141 prospect could pay off as running back depth if the Vikings decide to release Dalvin Cook to save some cap space.
... and neither is this Chris guy.