Vikings Take Quarterback at 23 in Five-Round Mock Draft From NFL.com

The Vikings wait until 23 to take a QB here, allowing them to go defense at 11.

Could the Vikings wait until the 23rd overall pick to address their quarterback vacancy? That's what takes place in a recent five-round mock draft from NFL.com's Chad Reuter. Let's check out his picks for the Vikings and give some thoughts.

Round 1, Pick 11: Texas DT Byron Murphy II

Reuter's explanation: "Minnesota goes for an impact defender with the first of their two Rounds 1 picks, choosing Murphy over edge Jared Verse. Murphy's a coveted player because he can attack quarterbacks from the interior and use his low center of gravity to hold firm at the line of scrimmage."

My take: If the Vikings aren't going to trade up for a quarterback or even take one at 11, Murphy is probably my favorite pick out of all the defensive players in this draft. He's a wrecking ball who had five sacks and 8.5 total TFL last year, earning first team All-Big 12 honors. Murphy would be a perfect fit in the interior of Brian Flores' defense as a pressure creator who is enough of a run defender to play a major role right away. I'd also be on board with Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell here.

Round 1, Pick 23: Oregon QB Bo Nix

Reuter's explanation: "History repeats itself with Minnesota matching its 2014 draft plan, taking its top player on the board early (LB Anthony Barr at No. 9 overall) before snagging a quarterback later on in Round 1 (Teddy Bridgewater at No. 32). Baltimore did something similar in 2018, when taking tight end Hayden Hurst 25th overall before moving up for Lamar Jackson seven picks later. Nix may not carry an elite grade like the top four quarterbacks in this class, so Minnesota patiently follows its board instead of reaching."

My take: I don't hate this outcome, but I'd rather have Michael Penix Jr. instead. For some context, the big four quarterbacks went 1-2-3-4 in this mock, with the Broncos trading up from 12 to 4 to take J.J. McCarthy. At 23, both Nix and Penix are still on the board (Penix eventually goes at 33 to the Raiders). I think Nix has a reasonable floor in the NFL due to his athleticism and experience, but I'd rather take a chance on the upside of Penix's left arm. Yes, the injury risk is higher, but so is the ceiling.

Round 4, Pick 108: Arkansas K Cam Little

My take: A kicker in the fourth round, huh? Little made 83 percent of his field goals at Arkansas and never missed a college extra point, hitting four times from 50+ last season. But even though the Vikings need a kicker, they better be fully convinced Little is going to be a stud if they're going to take him this early. I wouldn't take a specialist that high.

Round 4, Pick 129: Boston College OG Christian Mahogany

My take: I like this pick. Mahogany, who met with the Vikings at the combine, is a big, physical guard who could be in the mix to play right away.

Round 5, Pick 157: UCF WR Javon Baker

My take: The Vikings could use some more wide receiver depth after letting K.J. Osborn walk in free agency. Baker began his career at Alabama, transferred to UCF, and had two strong years there, including a 52-1,139-7 line last year as a senior. That's nearly 22 yards per reception. He's well worth taking in the fifth round.

Round 5, Pick 167: Michigan EDGE Braiden McGregor

My take: This one makes sense, too. McGregor had 4.5 sacks and nine total TFL on Michigan's national title team last year. He'd add some depth to the Vikings' front. At 6'5", 265, McGregor's length and power would make him an intriguing addition.

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