Draft expert believes Vikings will answer biggest offseason question
One highly touted draft expert expects the Vikings to address a major position of need in the 2023 NFL Draft.
It’s difficult for the Minnesota Vikings’ pass defense to go anywhere but up after a horrid 2022 campaign.
The Vikings ranked 31st in the NFL in pass yards allowed. Minnesota’s secondary never really meshed with a mixture of seasoned veterans and inexperienced defensive backs.
Cornerback is one position of concern the Vikings must address this offseason.
Dane Brugler, a highly respected draft expert, recently released his latest mock draft via The Athletic. Brugler anticipates many surprised in the first round, but his expectations for the Vikings are rather obvious.
With the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Brugler mocks Maryland CB Deonte Banks to the Vikes.
The 6-0, 197-pound Banks clocked a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash. He also posted elite results in his 10-yard split (1.49), vertical (42 inches) and broad jump (11-4). He is a physical, cover-and-clobber corner who is ready to step in and see starter-level snaps — exactly what Minnesota needs.
If the Vikings elect to let Patrick Peterson test free agency, the team will need to fill the void he would leave behind.
In defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme, he values corners who can hold their own in man coverage. Banks’ physicality would blend well with what the Vikings will aspire to accomplish in 2023.
Drafting a defensive back isn’t always the most exciting route to take in the draft, but the Vikings’ hands are tied. If Minnesota can find an effective cornerback in the draft, and supplement the position by adding a veteran in free agency, the Vikes will be a team to watch in the NFC.
