The Minnesota Vikings selected six players in the 2023 NFL Draft. A couple of these players have exceeded expectations, a couple have played sparingly, and a couple are still complete unknowns. 

With the 2023 season at its midway point, I wanted to give a grade to all the drafted rookies thus far. Of course, UDFA Ivan Pace Jr. has been a key player for the team and would likely earn an "A", but we will stick with the draft selections. 

Without further ado, let's go over the rookie report card.

Round 1, Pick 23: WR Jordan Addison

Addison has been just as advertised thus far. The rookie has 41 catches for 534 yards and 7 touchdowns. Only TJ Hockenson has caught more passes than the rookie receiver for the Vikes. 

With Justin Jefferson landing on injured reserve, the Vikes needed Addison to grow quickly. The receiver answered the call and has solidified himself as a solid NFL receiver already. It certainly appears like the Vikings will soon have another elite homegrown receiver. 

Grade: A+

Round 3, Pick 102

Blackmon is another rookie from USC who has performed well when called upon. The rookie corner has a solid 70.7 PFF grade thus far and has 12 tackles and has defended 4 passes. 

The secondary as a whole has been much better in 2023, and much of that can be attributed to Blackmon. The duo of Blackmon and Akayleb Evans looks like it could be a very good duo for years to come. For a third-round selection, it's impressive to see Blackmon already performing this way.

Grade: A

Round 4, Pick 134: DB Jay Ward

Ward has played in all 9 games, mostly in a special teams role. The defensive back has made a few plays but has also been penalized a couple of times. So far, Ward has collected 6 tackles. 

This is a deep secondary in Minnesota, so it's hard to blame Ward for not putting up numbers yet. It appears most likely that he will carve out a career on special teams, which is still a good type of player to have on the team. Not a bad pick, but hasn't made much of an impact yet. 

Grade: C-

Round 5, Pick 141: NT Jaquelin Roy

Roy has been inactive a few times, playing in six games thus far. In those games, the rookie has been productive, collecting 8 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. The rookie has earned a respectable 64.7 PFF grade. 

I expect to see Roy play more and more as the season progresses. At over 300 pounds, Roy has the perfect size to be a nose tackle in this league. The Vikings just have a deep line with Harrison Phillips, Khyiris Tonga, and Jonathan Bullard also vying for snaps. Roy's role will be bigger next year. 

Grade: C

Round 5, Pick 164: QB Jaren Hall

To this point, Hall has completed 8/10 passes for 101 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The rookie very nearly had his first career TD on Sunday but ended up leaving the game with a concussion. 

What we saw from Hall before the injury was encouraging. The rookie ran a couple of times and looked poised in the pocket. It's a shame we couldn't see a full game from the rookie, but he should get another chance eventually. 

Grade: Incomplete

Round 7, Pick 222: RB DeWayne McBride

McBride was widely expected to make the roster this summer. Instead, the back could not make it on the final roster and has been on the practice squad all season. 

McBride failed to impress in the preseason, which is not a good sign considering the Vikings' running game has been the league's worst this year. I'd expect McBride to get a look soon, though, after news of Cam Akers' serious injury. For now, though, it wouldn't be fair to grade this pick.

Grade: Incomplete

Vikings appear to have lost another player to an Achilles injury

Another Vikes player appears to have suffered a serious injury.

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