Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Preview: Biggest Needs

The Minnesota Vikings made some massive changes after the 2021 season. They fired Mike Zimmer as their head coach and replaced him with former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.

O’Connell led the Vikings to a 13-4 record and the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs in his first year with the team. Furthermore, Minnesota won the NFC North division title for the first time since 2017.

Unfortunately, the Vikings lost to the New York Giants in the first round of the NFL playoffs, 31-24. They will have the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

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What Are The Minnesota Vikings Biggest Needs On Offense?

Heading into the offseason, the team doesn’t have many needs on offense. However, their top offensive need is at wide receiver. Justin Jefferson had an outstanding year in 2022, totaling an NFL-leading 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards. However, the rest of the receiver core struggled.

Adam Thielen regressed and could be a cap casualty this offseason. Meanwhile, K.J. Osborn has never had a 700-receiving-yard year in his career and will be a free agent after the 2023 season. The Vikings need to add a wide receiver that will keep opposing defenses from throwing everything at stopping Jefferson.

One potential target is Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt. The former Volunteer star had 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022, leading the SEC in both categories. His ability to make plays all over the field could get him drafted in the first round.

What Are The Minnesota Vikings Biggest Needs On Defense?

Defensively the Vikings have several starters set to hit the open market in March, including multiple cornerbacks. Minnesota addressed their secondary last year, using their first-round pick on safety Lewis Cine and a second-round pick on cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. However, they need more help.

This year’s draft class is loaded at the cornerback position. One potential target for the Vikings is Mississippi’s Emmanuel Forbes. He had six interceptions returned for a touchdown in his college career.

While Forbes will likely be a first-round pick in April, the team could address the cornerback position on Day 2. One potential target is Maryland’s Deonte Banks. The former Terrapin had a career-high 38 tackles and eight passes defended in 2022.

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