Your 2023 NFL Draft Crushes

[SemperFeist]

As we sit less than 10 days until the draft kicks off, teams and draft analysts are finalizing their player rankings. 

Throughout this process every one of us has watched, read, and learned about prospects. And we’ve undoubtedly found a few that we are hoping our favorite team drafts. 

First round, day 2, or day 3, who are the players that you’ve come to favor in this year’s class? Who are the players that you would stake your fandom on?

[swede700]

I honestly don't really have one.  There isn't a player likely to be available anywhere near the Vikings pick that I would hang my hat on.  I would love to have an opportunity to have a guy like Anthony Richardson sit behind Kirk for a year, but that's unrealistic and I wouldn't be willing to trade all their other picks to get him.  I'd still probably love to have that beefeater, Siaki Ika, at NT just so I'd have less concerns about the DL than I currently do, but it's too early to take him in Rd 1 and he'll be long gone by their next pick. 

I'm always pretty big on defense, but without knowing how Flores' scheme is going to run, it's hard for me to love any particular player.  It's going to be a process in that I'll have to know what types of players work well in his scheme to zero in on those players that would fit it.  With Zimmer, after a couple of years, it was easy to know what types of players to look for.  This is far more difficult.

[Sad People]

Darnell Washington and Anthony Richardson

[SemperFeist]

My draft crush remains Brian Branch. 

He would give Flores and the defense a ton of flexibility in the secondary. He’s a day one starter, and ultimately he gives the team a long term solution to replace Harrison Smith. 

[vike daddy]

any defensive guy who can start right away, bring up the level of play on the field, and be a Viking throughout the 2020's.

is that too much to ask?

[swede700]

1 minute ago, vike daddy said:

any defensive guy who can start right away, bring up the level of play on the field, and be a Viking throughout the 2020's.

is that too much to ask?

That would be nice.  I'd especially like a defensive guy with personality.  I miss guys that have a personality on the field.  As much as I've enjoyed watching players like Harry, Barr, Kendricks and Danielle, they didn't and haven't played with a lot of personality.  You'd see it at times, but not consistently. 

[wcblack34]

Zack Kuntz - TE - Old Dominion.  He's 6'7" and 255 pounds. He has the frame to add 15-20 pounds without losing much athleticism. He has a perfect 10.00 RAS score. He ran a 4.55 40 yard dash with a 1.55 10 yard split. Has a 40 inch vertical and 34 inch arms. 

Despite the freakish athleticism, he's projected as a late Day 3 pick. This is because his production hasn't matched up with his athleticism, but if it does, he has an insane amount of potential. 

[SemperFeist]

39 minutes ago, swede700 said:

I miss guys that have a personality on the field. 

This is one reason why Van Ness would be so tempting if he’s available at 23. Someone who plays with a nonstop motor and tenacity. 

[PrplChilPill]

2 hours ago, vike daddy said:

any defensive guy who can start right away, bring up the level of play on the field, and be a Viking throughout the 2020's.

is that too much to ask?

That's the guy I want! What's his name, that guy.

[vike daddy]

4 minutes ago, PrplChilPill said:

That's the guy I want! What's his name, that guy.

And he can bring his friends to the team too. We need more than one of him, lol 

[swede700]

Whatchamacallit is gonna be a HoFer! 

[VikeManDan]

For LBs I'd be happy with Jack Campbell or Drew Sanders.

Also like what I've read about Coastal Carolina NT Jerrod Clark, not sure what his draft range is.

[SteelKing728]

Does every Pitt player or former Pitt player count?? Haha

But on a serious note, there really isn't one crush this season. I like a lot of prospects though in this draft, just don't love them.

[CriminalMind]

Nolan Smith DE. 
He might be a bit light but the instincts and speed combination is outstanding. He seems to have a great understanding of engaging the blocker as needed, but keeping his eyes on the QB/RB, so he can peel away faster then most in a more optimal direction. It’s that ability, that enables him to take away an offensive players space faster. 

[swede700]

1 hour ago, SteelKing728 said:

But on a serious note, there really isn't one crush this season. I like a lot of prospects though in this draft, just don't love them.

I've found myself that way for several years now.  I've really liked some guys, like Sauce Gardner last year, but I can't remember the last time there was a guy that I just thought the Vikings needed to get...maybe it was that WR that busted due to multiple injuries, Kevin White?  Apparently, he was actually still on the Saints' practice squad last year.