The 2023 NFL draft has come and gone with the Minnesota Vikings adding 22 rookies, including SMU DL Junior Aho from the International Pathway Program.
The players that the Vikings added to the roster are set to help both the 2023 season and beyond. Drafting for both current needs and projecting forward is something that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has done very well over his two drafts.
When looking at the players added, ESPN’s Jordan Reid and Matt Miller highlighted three Vikings in three different categories.
Jordan Addison-Rookie to help managers win fantasy football leagues
Addison’s route running sets him apart
Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings (No. 23). Robinson is the logical choice, but how about Addison? He steps into a clear No. 2 role alongside Justin Jefferson, and the Vikings need someone to replace the targets Adam Thielen received a year ago. We know coach Kevin O’Connell will use his receivers in a variety of formational alignments, and I think Addison is in for a very productive rookie campaign.-Reid
Jaren Hall-Developmental/project pick to watch
What are the Vikings getting in Jaren Hall?
Hall, a fifth-round selection from BYU, has the type of field vision, instincts, arm strength and mobility to make moves in Minnesota under coach Kevin O’Connell. Kirk Cousins has one year left on his deal and there is no clear-cut replacement on the roster. Hall has a chance to become the next Cousins as a late-rounder who turned into a reliable starter. But he needs to get faster at processing, which comes through playing more and learning behind someone with Cousins’ experience.-Miller
Andre Carter II-One UDFA to make the team
Andre Carter II given massive guarantees
Lacking depth behind Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport (and with Za’Darius Smith’s future with the team in question), the Vikings need pass-rushers. The one area where Carter brings value right away is generating pressure off of the edge. He steps into a situation where he’s likely a developmental project, but his pass-rush prowess could be used in spots early in his career. He is coming off a down year at Army but had 15.5 sacks in 2021..-Reid
