Much can happen between now and the 2023 NFL Draft, but the Minnesota Vikings cannot afford to mess this up
Despite any rumors or misinformation you may have encountered, the Minnesota Vikings possess a roster that remains fully capable of winning the NFC North.
In fact, the Vikings find themselves in a much better position than they were in the previous year, having finished atop the division with a 13-4 record. This offseason, the team has made a concerted effort to address a major area of weakness by letting go of some aging veterans, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings boast a talented unit led by Justin Jefferson, Kirk Cousins, T.J. Hockenson, and, most likely, Alexander Mattson. Despite criticism directed towards Cousins from some Vikings fans, this offense possesses plenty of firepower.
As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, the team has identified areas that require improvement and should be prioritized. However, it is crucial for them to avoid certain mistakes and make the necessary moves to build an even stronger team heading into the upcoming season, while taking into account the current roster they already possess.
First round mistakes the Minnesota Vikings cannot make in the 2023 NFL Draft: Reaching on a wide receiver
With the departure of Adam Thielen, the Vikings are placing greater emphasis on fourth-year wide receiver K.J. Osborn for the upcoming season, despite the fact that he is in the final year of his rookie contract. Additionally, the team requires more offensive weapons beyond just Jefferson and Osborn.
Fortunately, the first round of the upcoming draft features some highly talented prospects, giving the Vikings a chance to potentially snag one with their 23rd pick. However, if popular wide receiver options such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, Zay Flowers, or Jordan Addison are no longer available, the team should not feel obligated to select a receiver. While those four prospects would be excellent options for the 23rd pick, the Vikings cannot afford to make a poor decision beyond them by reaching for a lesser talent.
Josh Downs and Tank Dell may be the next two receivers off the board, but they do not possess the caliber of a first-round talent. Even Tennessee’s Jaylin Hyatt has been mentioned as a potential first-round pick, yet he is not a worthy candidate for such a high selection. If the top four receiver prospects are no longer on the table, the Vikings must shift their focus elsewhere.
