NFL mock draft 2023: Vikings 7-round projection with trade up to No. 3 for Kirk Cousins replacement

Big changes on the edge mean Vikings need the upside of Viliami Fehoko

If the Vikings are trading Danielle Hunter to the Cardinals in order to move up to No. 3 and then also end up moving on from Za’Darius Smith as the veteran edge rusher requested back in March, then it’s no secret that this team will need some reinforcements on the edge of the defensive front.

Though the Vikings have Marcus Davenport after free agency and 2020 fourth-rounder D.J. Wonnum that the team is high on, adding a player like Viliami Fehoko on Day 3 would be wise.

At 6-foot-4, 276 pounds, Fehoko does have some tweener in his build as he could potentially put on weight and move to the line. However, he has enough pass-rushing moves and production in college with quickness in his feet to make him a potential situational rusher that can spell Davenport and Wonnum with added versatility moving forward too.

Troy Brown might be a Vikings Day 3 pick but he can contribute

Make no mistake: Ole Miss linebacker Troy Brown is notably undersized at 6-foot-1 and only 220 pounds. However, this is a guy who can just flat-out play football at a high level. He’s fine in coverage, but he actually excelled for the Rebels as a run defender over the past two seasons. And he’s clearly a player who has great instincts, toughness and a feel for the game.

The departure of Eric Kendricks does leave the Vikings with some questions at linebacker and the need for depth specifically. Adding a player like Brown who could also potentially move to safety at some point and will surely be a special teams star would be a great way to use their final selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Round 1 | Round 3 | Round 4