As the 2023 NFL Draft nears, experts are beginning to narrow down on how the Minnesota Vikings will approach their first-round pick.
While it seems like the defense will be a focus, wide receiver is becoming a real possibility following the Vikings’ approach in free agency. Despite releasing long-time Viking Adam Thielen, the Vikings were quiet in signing a wide receiver, choosing to address defense instead.
Following that approach, it seems that wide receiver could be the first position taken when the Vikings’ selection comes around. NBC Sports Edge’s Eric Froton explored this possibility for the Vikings in his mock draft, giving them Boston College’s Zay Flowers.
Skol disciples are starved for a dependable outside corner, as is reflected in the (+180) favorite status for the Vikings to take a DB. However with the dynamic Zay Flowers (5’9/182) still available, Minnesota opts to provide Kirk Cousins with a credible WR2 next to Justin Jefferson. I really like the (+210) odds for Minnesota to take a wide receiver in round one, though the (+500) odds to take a QB screams Hendon Hooker to me. Flowers would cash his Under 24.5 prop line in this scenario.
Flowers is one of the most explosive wide receivers in this draft. He can turn any play into a touchdown, and he’ll provide the Vikings’ with a different level of speed. Flowers would also fit nicely with Justin Jefferson, as Flowers provides the Vikings with a vertical threat that complements Jefferson’s ability in the intermediate game.