With 2023 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to get an idea of how 2023 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Minnesota Vikings, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
These insights are an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 500+ page book “2023 Football Preview” which is now available for download.
In the book, you can find a comprehensive breakdown of the rookie class for all 32 NFL teams by draft guru Ryan McCrystal.
Who are the Minnesota Vikings rookies?
- Jordan Addison, WR, USC | Round 1, Pick 23
- Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC | Round 3, Pick 102
- Jay Ward, CB, LSU | Round 4, Pick 134
- Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU | Round 5, Pick 141
- Jaren Hall, QB, BYU | Round 5, Pick 164
- DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB | Round 7, Pick 222
Minnesota Vikings Draft Class Grade:
The Vikings received a B- rookie class draft grade from PFF, a B from ESPN, and a D+ from NFL Network.
Which Vikings Rookies Will Make An Impact?
With Adam Thielen no longer on the roster, Jordan Addison (first round) should step into an immediate starting role. At 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds, Addison is dramatically smaller than Thielen, but he potentially has the same slot-outside versatility due to his route running ability.
Addison must prove his college production was more than just about volume because some underlying metrics were unimpressive. Based on route-adjusted data, Addison generated just 5.4% more yards after the catch than expected and a catch rate 2.8% above expected
Mekhi Blackmon (third round) was one of the few bright spots on a terrible USC defense last year and could challenge Akayleb Evans and Joejuan Williams for a starting job in training camp.
Though Blackmon is undersized (5-foot-11, 178 pounds), he has consistently demonstrated strong on-ball production. In 2022 at USC, his ball-hawk rate was 48% above expected based on route-adjusted metrics, and it was 22% above expected over the previous two seasons at Colorado.
Jay Ward (fourth round) has played every role in the secondary and will be a valuable addition to Minnesota’s depth. Due to his modest athletic traits, he is probably a better fit at safety than outside cornerback, but it is always nice to have a versatile athlete on the depth chart.
Jaquelin Roy (fifth round) is a nose tackle who lacks the athleticism to contribute beyond eating up space. He generated an unimpressive 4.5% pressure rate on the interior at LSU in 2022.
The Vikings were likely interested in Roy because nose tackles play a critical role in the new scheme being deployed by Brian Flores. In 2021 with Miami, Flores’ defense lined up with someone in the zero- or one-tech position on 94% of snaps.
Jaren Hall (fifth round) will have a year to prove himself behind Kirk Cousins before potentially making a play for the starting job.
Hall wins with his accuracy and athleticism, but he will be a 25-year-old rookie, has a long history of injuries, and lacks ideal arm strength. He will likely be the third-string quarterback behind Cousins and Nick Mullens in 2023.
DeWayne McBride (seventh round) is a physical runner who joins a crowded backfield. He will likely compete for the backup job behind Alexander Mattison now that Dalvin Cook is no longer on the roster.
McBride will need time to develop a style that better suits his skill set. Last season at UAB, he bounced 60% of runs outside the tackles, but he lacks the speed and elusive ability to win with that style in the NFL.
The most surprising outcome of this draft was Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s decision to stay put at his draft slots rather than trade down and acquire more selections. With only six picks, there is little margin for error with these prospects.
The Vikings also appeared to lean heavily into addressing immediate needs, a somewhat questionable choice given the team’s long-term outlook with this likely being Cousins’ final season in Minnesota. The selection of Addison, in particular, could look like a questionable choice a year from now if the team is entering rebuilding mode.
