Minnesota Vikings Draft Pick Signings

Perhaps lost in the schedule release and the Za’Darius Smith trade, the Minnesota Vikings signed some of their draft picks last week. The Vikings selected only six players in the 2023 NFL Draft. They announced the signing of four of them on Friday. 

3. Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC

4. Jay Ward, DB, LSU

5. Jaquelin Roy, DT, LSU

5. Jaren Hall, QB, BYU

First-round pick Jordan Addison and seventh-round pick DeWayne McBride are the remaining members of the draft class to sign. 

It’s no surprise that the Za’Darius Smith trade came at about the time of the draft pick signings. The Vikings were so close to the salary cap that they probably needed to trade Smith in order to manage the rookie signings. They definitely need the cap relief to sign first-round pick Jordan Addison. 

Blackmon, Ward, Roy, and Hall got the business side of being rookie in advance of taking the field for the first time as professionals. The Vikings held their rookie mini-camp over the weekend. Addison practiced without a signed rookie contract. McBride didn’t practice at all as he’s rehabbing an injury. 

Blackmon and Ward should compete for immediate playing time. Blackmon will compete with second-year corners Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans for a spot opposite free agent addition Byron Murphy Jr. Ward is a uniquely-skilled defensive back as he can play anywhere in the secondary. That versatility could allow defensive coordinator Brian Flores to use Ward as a chess-piece type player to disguise coverages. Roy should earn a significant role in the defensive line rotation. Hall is a developmental quarterback for Kevin O’Connell and his coaches. 

Next up, getting Jordan Addison and DeWayne McBride signed.