Analysis
4/30/23
3 min read
Minnesota Vikings NFL Draft Grades 2023: Addison Pick Is Definite 'A'
The Minnesota Vikings arguably have the NFL's best wide receiver in Justin Jefferson. They found him a potentially explosive running mate in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Minnesota selected six players overall during draft weekend, and while our scouts loved some picks, like Addison, others didn't grade out quite as high.
The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year’s draft, here’s how the Vikings fared:
Vikings 2023 Draft Grades
23. Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Jordan Addison (scouting report) is the purest route runner in this class. He plays fast and has good quickness to separate off the line of scrimmage. The former Biletnikoff winner will get to line up opposite Justin Jefferson and see single coverage looks the majority of the time. He can play inside and outside. He can run past you on the deep ball as well as grind out tough yards underneath.
Grade: A
102. Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
Mekhi Blackmon (scouting report) is a solid overall athlete with good enough speed, but has inconsistencies and gives up too many plays. He needs to work on his technique and overall eye control.
Grade: C
134. Jay Ward, Safety, LSU
The Vikings continue to address their pass defense which ranked near the bottom of the NFL last season. Jay Ward (scouting report) is a long, lanky, athletic defensive back whose calling card is his position flexibility. He doesn’t excel in any area, but he can be a valuable jack-of-all-trades backup and special teams contributor.
Grade: C+
141. Jaquelin Roy, DL, LSU
Jaquelin Roy (scouting department) is a talented player, but he did not have much production and left plays on the field. He lacks some length, but has good overall strength and power.
Grade: C
164. Jaren Hall, QB, BYU
Jaren Hall (scouting report) is a deceptive athlete who has speed and quickness to play in space and get out of trouble. He has just average arm strength, but he is an accurate passer that has good instincts and understands coverages. He will have time to develop behind Kirk Cousins.
Grade: B
222. DeWayne McBride, RB, UAB
DeWayne McBride (scouting report). is a good size physical back with excellent vision and above-average wiggle for his size. He doens't have great top-end speed and he has very little production in the passing game. He has starter-level NFL run skills and a physical play style that should help him contribute on special teams while he learns the nuances of NFL pass protection. His physical style and willingness to strike rushers should endear him to his quarterback.
Grade: B+
