Vikings Mock Draft Roundup 11.0: Wide receiver is popular

Following the release of Adam Thielen, a receiver is certainly in play with this pick. But neither starting cornerback is returning for Minnesota either after the release of Cameron Dantzler and the impending free agency of Patrick Peterson. Dantzler wasn’t a scheme fit in Brian Flores’ new defense, so his release isn’t a huge shock, but it does reinforce that the Vikings need a cornerback.

Banks has rocketed up draft boards after surprising people by declaring early for the draft, but as analysts have circled back to his tape, it’s become more and more obvious why he was confident in his NFL prospects this season. A nasty run supporter with good ball skills and elite athleticism, Banks would likely walk into a starting role in Minnesota and provide at least some stability while the Vikings work out the remainder of the depth chart between Duke Shelley, Andrew Booth Jr., and Akayleb Evans.-Alex Katson

Patrick Peterson and Duke Shelley are UFAs and they cut Cameron Dantzler, making the way for Emmanuel Forbes to start opposite 2022 second-rounder Andrew Booth Jr. this fall. The premier ball-hawk in the class, a secondary of Booth, Forbes, safety Lewis Cine, and Akayleb Evans is young, yes, but extremely talented that can do a lot of things well.-Ryan Fowler

Porter has offensive tackle arm length and plus man coverage ability. The Vikings again go to the secondary well early in the draft.-Chris Trapasso

Minnesota has made the decision to move on from Adam Thielen. The Vikings need someone to compliment Justin Jefferson in the passing game, and Jordan Addison can be that player long-term.-Josh Edwards

Justin Jefferson is one of the best wide receivers in the league, but his supporting cast leaves a lot to be desired — especially following the departure of long-time slot savan Adam Thielen. Boston College WR Zay Flowers is a dangerous after-the-catch threat who combines long speed with ludicrous lateral agility as one of the most exciting and explosive receivers in the draft.-Oliver Hodgkinson

With Adam Thielen officially gone, the Vikings could very well be in the wide receiver market in the first round, especially if a player like Quentin Johnston is available. Johnston is one of the few in this class who gives you a size and speed combination as an outside receiver.-Trevor Sikkema

With the Vikings cutting Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson’s hoping that they can add a reliable and explosive second option. Josh Downs is the perfect fit for that need.

While Jefferson is commanding attention on the outside, Downs is a master technician in the slot. He’ll stretch the defense enough to open the field up for the Minnesota superstar, and Kevin O’Connell knows what to do with a talent like the former Tar Heel.-Joe Broback

The Vikings parted ways with Adam Thielen, and the remaining wide receivers on the roster are Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, Jalen Nailor and Jalen Reagor. The Jalens combined for 17 receptions last season. And Osborn, who had 60 catches in ’22, will be a free agent after the season. Enter Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who barely saw the field during the 2022 season because of injuries, but is still one of the top wideouts in the class. It’s easy to forget that he led the 2021 Buckeyes in receptions, and that corps included first-rounders Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, and future first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr.-Ryan Wilson

Smith gets a little lost after missing the end of his final Bulldogs season with a torn pec. A team like the Vikings stops the fall for an accomplished all-around stand-up EDGE. Smith has enough athleticism and savvy to work in some off-ball LB looks too.-Jeff Risdon

The Minnesota Vikings recently parted ways with wide receiver Adam Thielen and can get younger at wide receiver with Hyatt. Along with Justin Jefferson, Kirk Cousins gets a good duo to throw to.-Patrick Conn