EAGAN, Minn. — Two weeks and two days from the opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft, pundits are leaning toward the Vikings opting for a cornerback, receiver or quarterback with their first pick.

The draft is scheduled for April 27-29.

Minnesota currently has the 24th pick, but it will be the 23rd overall selection due to Miami having to forfeit its first-round pick this year and a third-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Dolphins engaged in "impermissible communications" with Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady in 2019-20 while he was with New England and after the 2021 season while he was with the Buccaneers.

The Vikings have drafted at No. 23 overall four times in franchise history, most recently selecting left tackle Christian Darrisaw in 2021. Minnesota has also drafted wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (2016), defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (2013) and receiver Lance Rentzel (1965).

Minnesota currently has five picks in this year's draft after being awarded a sixth-round compensatory selection.

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held in Kansas City, Missouri. The first round will be on April 27 while the second and third rounds will be on April 28. The final four rounds will conclude this year's draft on April 29.

Here is the seventh version of our Vikings 2023 Mock Draft Tracker, which features 22 predictions from around the world of football that have been made since publishing version 6.0 on March 28.

After receiver was the most popular position with eight of 20 selections from mock drafts in version 6.0, cornerback now appears most commonly (eight of 22 selections). Receiver remains a frequent forecast, however, with six of 22 projections.

Quarterback is next with four projections in version 7.0.

Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks (appears in four projections), USC receiver Jordan Addison (four) and Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (three) are the three players most commonly projected to Minnesota.

Take a look at our seventh Vikings 2023 Mock Draft Tracker:

ESPN's Todd McShay

April 4, 2023

The predicted pick: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

McShay's take: "The Vikings have quietly been putting in some work on this QB class. Despite the team's 13-win season, Kirk Cousins was just 23rd in QBR at 49.9. Plus, he's turning 35 this summer and will be entering the final year of his deal. Sitting behind Cousins for a year to learn the pro game and fully recover from a torn ACL could be the perfect setup for Hooker, who led the nation in QBR last season before the injury (89.5).

"Hooker is accurate to every level of the field but really thrives throwing deep. Some scouts might be wary of drafting a 25-year-old QB, but he has the talent to lead an NFL offense. I've talked to folks with a few teams that even have Hooker above Levis on their internal boards. He has interviewed really well this spring, and the tape is phenomenal. Alternatively, Minnesota could try to get another receiver alongside Justin Jefferson, go back to the cornerback well or bring in another big tight end."

Click here for McShay's full mock draft.

ESPN's Jordan Reid (seven rounds)

March 29, 2023

The predicted pick: Jordan Addison, Receiver, USC

Reid's take: "With only five total picks, I would be surprised if the Vikings actually remained here and made a selection. They are a prime trade-back candidate. Still, after the release of Adam Thielen, there's a gaping hole at the WR2 spot opposite Justin Jefferson. Addison would give the offense another versatile player who can line up inside and outside. A detailed route runner, Addison has physical traits that are similar to those of Calvin Ridley, who was a first-round pick in 2018. Addison's success in multiple offensive schemes (Pitt and USC) will help his NFL value. Addison could thrive off the attention given to Jefferson by defensive coordinators."

The predicted pick at 87: Owen Pappoe, Linebacker, Auburn

Reid's take: "Jordan Hicks is entering the final year of his contract, and adding an explosive defender such as Pappoe would prepare Minnesota for the long haul. He is an active second-level defender who checks all of the thresholds the Vikings require. At 225 pounds, he ran a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine. The Vikings could pair him alongside Brian Asamoah for the future."

The predicted pick at 119: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Quarterback, UCLA

The predicted pick at 158: Jalen Redmond, Defensive Line, Oklahoma

The predicted pick at 211: Kei'Trel Clark, Cornerback, Louisville

Click here for Reid's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Adam Rank

April 6, 2023

The predicted pick: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland

Rank's take: "The Bears and Lions are loading up. Maybe Jordan Love is the real deal. You need this for your defense. I know some have you going receiver or quarterback here — resist those urges. There is no reason for that. You MUST improve the porous D, first and foremost. You could even consider D-line help, because there are still some good values on the board right now."

Click here for Rank's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein

April 4, 2023

The predicted pick at No. 27 (after trading down with Buffalo): Drew Sanders, Linebacker, Arkansas

Zierlein's take: "Sanders spent one season at inside linebacker and absolutely filled up the stat sheet at Arkansas. He's big and a solid athlete; he can be a capable pass rusher for Minnesota to deploy when needed."

Editor's Note: Zierlein did say what compensation Minnesota would receive by trading down from No. 23 to No. 27.

Click here for Zierlein's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks

March 28, 2023

The predicted pick: Zay Flowers, Receiver, Boston College

Brooks' take: "After moving on from Adam Thielen this offseason, the Vikings grab a route-running specialist as a playmate for 2022 Offensive Player of the Year Justin Jefferson. Flowers' speed, quickness and precision make him an ideal candidate as a WR2 opposite the All-Pro wideout."

Click here for Brooks' full mock draft.

NFL.com's Cynthia Frelund

March 30, 2023

The predicted pick: Joey Porter, Jr., Cornerback, Penn State

Frelund's take: "Porter edged out the remaining receivers here by the slimmest win-share margin. The Vikings need to shore up their pass defense, and Porter proved last season (allowed just 143 yards in 10 games) he can be a difference-maker in the back end."

Click here for Frelund's full mock draft.

Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

Wilson's take: "We were at Will Levis' pro day, and he's built like a linebacker — and watching him throw the ball in person is something to behold; you can actually hear the passes whistle. But questions remain about his ability to layer the ball to all three levels, as well as some inconsistencies when rolls to his left. The Vikings could be in the mix for a young QB, and this could be a good landing spot for Levis, who may not be ready in Year 1."

Click here for Wilson's full mock draft.

Josh Edwards of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

Edwards' take: "Kirk Cousins is entering the final year of his contract with some dummy years tacked onto the end. It could serve as a perfect transition period from Cousins to Hendon Hooker, who suffered a torn ACL late in the season."

Click here for Edwards' full mock draft.

Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama

Fornelli's take: "A smart player with a ton of experience playing for a man who essentially invented the way defenses play in coverage in the modern game. The questions about Branch will be how to utilize him best. Is he a safety? Is he a nickel corner? Is he both? Somebody will figure it out and be thrilled with the result."

Click here for Fornelli's full mock draft.

Garrett Podell of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland

Podell's take: "Deonte Banks crushed it at the combine with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, 42-inch vertical and 11-foot-4 broad jump while standing at 6 feet, 197 pounds. He's great in press man coverage, and he has the ability to be a significant upgrade in the Vikings secondary under new Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores."

Click here for Podell's full mock draft.

Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Quentin Johnston, Receiver, TCU

Dajani's take: "A big playmaker in more ways than one. Upgrading the defense is something that's important for Minnesota this offseason, but so is adding another weapon for Kirk Cousins."

Click here for Dajani's full mock draft.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Nolan Smith, Edge Defender, Georgia

Trapasso's take: "The Vikings get a classic 3-4 outside linebacker for Brian Flores' defensive scheme. Upside galore with his explosiveness."

Click here for Trapasso's full mock draft.

Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland

Stackpole's take: "The Vikings are thin at CB, and Deonte Banks' impressive NFL Combine showcased the skill set he can add to that secondary."

Click here for Stackpole's full mock draft.

Will Brinson of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

Brinson's take: "Let's get weird!!!! Kirk Cousins fits the scheme, knows the scheme, knows the coach, etc, etc. But he's 34 years old and has one year left on his contract. Hooker's coming off a torn ACL, so the timeline is pretty outstanding to grab a leader/scheme dependent type QB to run this [Kevin O'Connell] offense. It gives the Vikings some pretty good leverage if there's mutual interest in running it back for 2024 and it should motivate Cousins this year. The only question is if they'll let him know."

Click here for Brinson's full mock draft.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Jordan Addison, Receiver, USC

Prisco's take: "They are in need of a receiver to pair with Justin Jefferson, so they make a move up to get Addison, who might be the best pure receiver in this class. He looks like he can be a 70-catch guy right away. That will help Jefferson and Kirk Cousins."

Click here for Prisco's full mock draft.

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today

April 3, 2023

The predicted pick: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland

Middlehurst-Schwartz's take: "With Byron Murphy in and Patrick Peterson out, the bottom line hasn't changed much for a Vikings secondary that's still significantly undermanned. Brian Flores would no doubt appreciate Banks' rugged approach to matching up with receivers as well as the fluidity he demonstrates to stick with them."

Click here for Middlehurst-Schwartz's full mock draft.

Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network (seven rounds)

April 8, 2023

The predicted pick at No. 23: Jordan Addison, Receiver, USC

Cummings' take: "Justin Jefferson needs a Robin to his Batman, and Jordan Addison is built well for that role. From my view, Addison compares favorably to another NFC North wideout: Chicago's Darnell Mooney. He's an easy accelerator with short-area agility and hip sink and has the speed to threaten vertically, as well as create after the catch."

The predicted pick at No. 87 (third round): Jalen Jones, Cornerback, Texas A&M

Cummings' take: "Jaylon Jones declared early as a true junior, but for his age, he's surprisingly disciplined with his technique. He's a great short-area athlete for his size and stellar in support."

The predicted pick at No. 119 (fourth round): Luke Schoonmaker, Tight End, Michigan

The predicted pick at No. 158 (fifth round): Desjuan Johnson, Defensive Line, Toledo

The predicted pick at No. 211 (sixth round): Jaylon Thomas, Offensive Line, SMU

Click here for Cummings' full mock draft.

Joe Broback of Pro Football Network (three rounds)

April 6, 2023

The predicted first-round pick at No. 23: Jordan Addison, Receiver, USC

Broback's take: "With Adam Thielen off to Carolina, Minnesota needs someone to help Justin Jefferson. K.J. Osborn returns, but there needs to be another weapon to contribute. Jordan Addison gives the Vikings a player that can create separation like the best of them.

"If he demands more attention from the opposing secondary, teams will be less likely to send extra help toward Jefferson. That also makes quarterback Kirk Cousins happy in the "prove it" year of his contract."

The predicted pick at No. 87 (third round): Andre Carter II, Edge Defender, Army

Broback's take: "Short term, the Vikings are set on the edge. However, they'll need a long-term option to continue getting after the quarterback. Danielle Hunter, Za'Darius Smith, and newly signed Marcus Davenport bring a ton of NFL experience with them, and Andre Carter II can learn a lot under their tutelage. At 6-foot-6, Carter brings good size, and the veterans can help develop him into a major force."

Click here for Broback's full mock draft.

Ian Valentino of Pro Football Network (three rounds)

April 1, 2023

The predicted first-round pick at No. 23: Adetomiwa Adebawore, Defensive Line, Northwestern

Valentino's take: "I think this is too low for Adetomiwa Adebawore, considering the Combine performance he put together, but it's also hard to find a landing spot for everyone. Adebawore runs a 4.49 [in the 40-yard dash], jumps 37.5 inches in the vertical and 10-5 in the broad, and stands at 6-2, 282 pounds with 34-inch arms. The Minnesota Vikings have to start revamping their defensive line sooner than later."

The predicted pick at No. 87 (third round): Xavier Hutchinson, Receiver, Iowa State

Valentino's take: "With size, lateral agility, steady hands, and route-running ability, Xavier Hutchinson is about as safe as it gets for Minnesota."

Click here for Valentino's full mock draft.

Kent Platte of Pro Football Network (three rounds)

March 30, 2023

The predicted first-round pick at No. 23: Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia

Platte's take: "At one point, Kelee Ringo was considered a lock in the top five of this draft class. Questions about his flexibility and versatility defensively have seen his value slide a bit, landing him right in the Vikings laps.

"Questions about Ringo's agility on the field are largely overblown, though he didn't test well in that area, so it's still at least a little concerning, but you can't teach 4.36 speed. It's quite a shift going from Cameron Dantzler, Sr., to Ringo in that regard."

Click here for Platte's full mock draft.

Jack McKessy of The Draft Network

April 10, 2023

The predicted pick: Julius Brents, Cornerback, Kansas State

McKessy's take: "Wide receiver is an option here for the Vikings after letting Adam Thielen go, but the need in the defensive secondary feels more pressing with Patrick Peterson gone and Andrew Booth, Jr., and Lewis Cine entering their second years after missing significant time with injuries in 2022. Julius Brents is a super toolsy cornerback with outstanding length and an ability to play and win both outside and in the slot. He could use some development to get over his occasional grabbiness in man coverage but proved he can hang with the best of the best at this year's Senior Bowl."

Click here for McKessy's full mock draft.

Damian Parson of The Draft Network

April 5, 2023

The predicted pick: Kelee Ringo, Cornerback, Georgia

Parson's take: "Cameron Dantzler is a Commander and the Vikings secondary is in need of talent. Kelee Ringo is a talented and athletic cornerback. Ringo allowed 147 yards in man coverage in 2022. I believe he is versatile to operate in both man and zone. New DC Brian Flores should enjoy coaching up this toolsy cover corner."

Click here for Parson's full mock draft.