EAGAN, Minn. — The imminent start of the 2023 NFL Draft also means this "Mock Draft SZN" is closing.

We took a look at 30 mock drafts from around the web for our eighth — and final — Mock Draft Tracker of the year.

Similar to

Version 7.0, experts are projecting the Vikings will use their first-round pick on a quarterback (nine predictions), receiver (nine predictions) or cornerback (six predictions).

Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker is the player most commonly linked with five projections, but a couple proposed the Vikings trading up to select Will Levis out of Kentucky, and there's one that has the Vikings going up to get Anthony Richardson out of Florida.

After Hooker, USC receiver Jordan Addison received four mentions. Levis, TCU receiver Quentin Johnston and Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes were each projected to the Vikings three times.

The Vikings enter the three-day event (April 27-29) with five selections. Minnesota is scheduled to make its first choice at No. 23 overall (moved up one spot from 24 because Miami forfeited its first-round selection).

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).

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.

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

ESPN's Matt Miller (seven rounds)

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

Miller's take: "One of the most popular texts I've gotten from evaluators throughout the past 10 days has been some form of 'Watch the Vikings for Hendon Hooker.' That could be NFL scouts connecting dots, but the Round 1 talk for Hooker has been red hot since the combine, and the Vikings do make sense for the dynamic passer. With Kirk Cousins set to hit free agency following the 2023 season at age 35, finding his replacement should be a priority.

"Hooker will need to adjust to the spacing of the NFL after playing in the tempo spread at Tennessee, but he's accurate and mobile, and he throws a beauty of a deep ball. As for Hooker's ceiling, one NFL quarterbacks coach I spoke to said he believes he can be a top-15 starter. 'Look at [Jared] Goff, Geno Smith, Cousins ... he has better all-around tools than those guys. The right system will help, but from a talent perspective, he can be a top-half-of-the-league guy.' "

Click here for Miller's full mock draft.

The predicted pick at 87 (third round): Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern

Miller's take: The Vikings have swung and missed at cornerback in previous draft, but they could take another cut here with a rising talent. Mitchell had nine pass breakups last season, and he can immediately play in the slot for Minnesota.

The predicted pick at 119 (fourth round): Xavier Hutchinson, Receiver, Iowa State

The predicted pick at 158 (fifth round): Cameron Young, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State

The predicted pick at 211 (sixth round): Viliami Fehoko, Defensive End, San Jose State

ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., and Todd McShay (alternating three rounds)

April 18, 2023

Kiper's predicted pick at 23: Joey Porter, Jr., Cornerback, Penn State

Kiper's take: "Corner is a clear weakness for Minnesota, which brought in Byron Murphy, Jr., in free agency to replace veteran Patrick Peterson. Long-armed Porter could see early action outside. He didn't have much production in college — one interception — but that should change at the next level."

Kiper's predicted pick at 87: Colby Wooden, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

Kiper's take: "Wooden is an interesting 3-technique prospect. He had six sacks last season, four of which came when he was lined up as a tackle. NFL teams covet interior players who can contribute on third downs. He is worth a dart throw near the end of Round 3."

Click here for the full Kiper-McShay alternating mock draft.

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks

April 25, 2023

The predicted pick: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Receiver, Ohio State

Brooks' take: "Putting a polished route runner opposite Justin Jefferson will enable Kirk Cousins to stay in attack mode at all times. JSN is a big-play specialist with the talent and skill to produce explosive plays from anywhere on the field."

Click here for Brooks' full mock draft.

NFL.com's Eric Edholm

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick: Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Mississippi State

Edholm's take: "Forbes' slight build (6-foot-1, 166 pounds) will be highly scrutinized, but his playmaking prowess is unquestioned (14 INTs over three seasons, with an NCAA-record six pick-sixes). He'd be a strong replacement for Patrick Peterson on what was the NFL's 31st-ranked pass defense a year ago. New Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores could use a man corner with Forbes' length and skill set."

Click here for Edholm's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Chad Reuter (seven rounds)

April 21, 2023

The predicted pick at 10 (after trading with Eagles): Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, Florida

Reuter's take: "GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has not been shy about trading draft picks since taking on the job last year. Richardson's potential as a dual-threat playmaker validates the hefty price Minnesota pays to jump up the board: the 23rd overall pick, a 2023 third-rounder (No. 87) and a 2024 first-rounder. (The Vikings also probably trade down in the fourth round to regain a selection.)"

The predicted pick at 119 (fourth round): Kyu Blu Kelly, Cornerback, Stanford

The predicted pick at 158 (fifth round): DeWayne McBride, Running Back, UAB

The predicted pick at 211 (sixth round): Grant DuBose, Receiver, Charlotte

Click here for Reuter's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Maurice Jones-Drew

April 20, 2023

The predicted pick: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

Jones-Drew's take: "Hooker gets a redshirt year to get completely healthy and learn behind Kirk Cousins before becoming QB1 and leading Kevin O'Connell's offense."

Click here for Jones-Drew's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Peter Schrager

April 18, 2023

The predicted pick: Jordan Addison, Receiver, USC

Schrager's take: "I know of at least one team that has Addison as its top-rated wide receiver. With Adam Thielen now in Carolina, this pairing makes sense. That said, Minnesota can go a variety of ways here. With Kirk Cousins in the last year of his contract, quarterback could be an option, but the Vikings might have to aggressively jump up the board in order to get their man at that position."

Click here for Schrager's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Charles Davis

April 13, 2023

The predicted pick: Calijah Kancey, Defensive Line, Pittsburgh

Davis' take: "The Vikings select the quick interior lineman and hope that he develops into a disruptor like Hall of Fame DT John Randle. New Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores will help the Pitt product."

Click here for Davis' full mock draft.

NFL.com's Rhett Lewis

April 11, 2023

The predicted pick: Quentin Johnston, Receiver, TCU

Lewis' take: "Hendon Hooker is off the board here, and the Vikings could use some help on defense ... but the potential of pairing a big-bodied physical specimen with Justin Jefferson might be too appealing to pass up in this scenario. Johnston has some work to do on his hands, but he offers terrific run-after-the-catch ability and could alleviate some pressure on Jefferson."

Click here for Lewis' full mock draft.

Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick: Calijah Kancey, Defensive Line, Pittsburgh

Wilson's take: "Kancey was just about unblockable at times during the 2022 season for the Panthers, and his 6-foot-1, 281-pound frame will (unfairly, perhaps) draw comparisons to Aaron Donald. The biggest physical difference, however, is that while Donald had 32 5/8-inch arms, Kancey's arm length came in at a shade under 31 inches, and that's a major concern when going up against NFL offensive linemen who have 33-34-inch arms. That said, turn on the tape and show us where arm length is an issue for Kancey, who wins consistently with twitch, speed and power."

Click here for Wilson's full mock draft.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports (seven rounds)

April 21, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Bryan Bresee, Defensive Line, Clemson

Trapasso's take: "Bresee has top 10-pick talent if he can stay healthy, and he's equally comfortable in any of the five positions along the defensive line."

Click here for Trapasso's full mock draft.

The predicted pick at 87 (third round): Kyu Blu Kelly, Cornerback, Stanford

The predicted pick at 119 (fourth round): Darius Rush, Cornerback, South Carolina

The predicted pick at 158 (fifth round): Parker Washington, Receiver, Penn State

The predicted pick at 211 (sixth round): Shaka Heyward, Linebacker, Duke

Josh Edwards of CBS Sports (seven rounds)

April 21, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

Edwards' take: "Minnesota adds a high-floor quarterback at a much lower cost to ease the transition from Kirk Cousins."

The predicted pick at 87 (third round): Kayshon Boutte, Receiver, LSU

The predicted pick at 119 (fourth round): Terell Smith, Cornerback, Minnesota

The predicted pick at 158 (fifth round): Jerrod Clark, Defensive Tackle, Coastal Carolina

The predicted pick at 211 (six round): Henry Bainivalu, Interior Offensive Line, Washington

Click here for Edwards' full mock draft.

Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick: Jordan Addison, Receiver, USC

Stackpole's take: "Kirk Cousins gets another playmaker, and Justin Jefferson gets a running mate after Adam Thielen's release."

Click here for Stackpole's full mock draft.

Will Brinson of CBS Sports

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick: Jalin Hyatt, Receiver, Tennessee

Brinson's take: "A semi-surprising WR team here as the Vikings add a player to complement Justin Jefferson."

Click here for Brinson's full mock draft.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports

April 24, 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.

Garrett Podell of CBS Sports

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick at 17 (after trading with Steelers): Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

Podell's take: "The Minnesota Vikings halt Will Levis' slide down the draft board by trading their 23rd overall pick, their 87th overall pick (third round) and their 2024 first-round selection. The Vikings put a succession plan in place for Kirk Cousins, a free agent next offseason, after seeing his inability to get past the New York Giants at home in Round 1 of the playoffs this past season. Levis gets to sit and learn the ropes from Cousins for a year before taking over as the Vikings new starting quarterback in 2024."

Click here for Podell's full mock draft.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland

Benjamin's take: "No QB here?! We like the idea of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah preparing for Kirk Cousins' potential 2024 departure, but a trade for someone like Trey Lance offers more upside than, say, drafting Hendon Hooker at No. 23. In the meantime, we've got Minnesota addressing an overturned secondary with the well-built Banks."

Click here for Benjamin's full mock draft.

Nate Davis of USA Today

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick: Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama

Davis' take: "Given S Harrison Smith's age (34) and the general turnover in the Vikes secondary, Branch would be a sensible pickup no matter where he's deployed. And given the 6-foot, 190-pound All-American's history with the Crimson Tide, that could mean a lot of time in the slot."

Click here for Davis' full mock draft.

Curt Popejoy of Draft Wire

April 19, 2023

The predicted pick: Deonte Banks, Cornerback, Maryland

Click here for Popejoy's full mock draft.

Jeff Risdon of Draft Wire

April 19, 2023

The predicted pick: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

Risdon's take: "Because I want off the Kirk Cousins coaster. Because Hooker would be a top-15 prospect for me if he were both healthy and two years younger. Because I want to stay unpredictable if I'm GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah."

Click here for Risdon's full mock draft.

Natalie Miller of Draft Wire

April 21, 2023

The predicted pick: Quentin Johnston, Receiver TCU

Miller's take: "With the departure of Adam Thielen, the Vikings need to find Justin Jefferson a running mate. Quentin [Johnston] is a big, explosive, and talented wide receiver who could quickly give teams headaches when combined with one of the best in the league."

Click here for Miller's full mock draft.

Dalton Miller of Pro Football Network (three rounds)

April 24, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Mississippi State

Miller's take: "Emmanuel Forbes is a massive outlier. There is no getting around the fact that Forbes is a 166-pound CB with lackluster play strength. He will get bullied at times against the run and in coverage.

"But he's so incredibly sticky that teams will take a chance on him, and there is a very good chance they'll be paid off handsomely for it. Forbes is an instant transitioner with outrageous explosiveness to click and close on routes. He has a knack for sliding a hand into passing lanes from out-leveraged positions, breaking passes up like his hands are football-seeking missiles."

The predicted pick at 87 (third round): Tyler Scott, Receiver, Cincinnati

Miller's take: "Tyler Scott has gotten lost in the shuffle here a bit, but he is a really solid pick for Minnesota in this 2023 NFL Mock Draft. Scott is as undersized as the rest of the class, but he has the athleticism and route-running chops to be a complement for Justin Jefferson while adding some needed juice to the Vikings lackluster receiving corps."

Click here for Miller's full mock draft.

Ian Valentino of Pro Football Network (seven rounds)

April 22, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Quentin Johnston, Receiver, TCU

Valentino's take: "With needs at cornerback, quarterback, and receiver, the Minnesota Vikings have to balance planning for now and for later. If they love Hendon Hooker, they might as well take him here.

"However, I don't think Hooker makes sense as a first-rounder, and instead, adding an impactful receiver to help Justin Jefferson matters. TCU's Quentin Johnston can be a big-play creator."

The predicted pick at 87 (third round): Darius Rush, Cornerback, South Carolina

Valentino's take: "Darius Rush has fantastic ball production and size, making him a great developmental candidate."

The predicted pick at 119 (fourth round): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Quarterback, UCLA

Valentino's take: "Consistently linked to Hendon Hooker, the Vikings can simply wait for another round or two and get a similar prospect in Dorian Thompson-Robinson."

The predicted pick at 158 (fifth round): Terell Smith, Cornerback, Minnesota

Valentino's take: "A thick, long corner with good athleticism, Terell Smith can push for a role early on one of the league's least impressive cornerback depth charts."

The predicted pick at 211 (sixth round): Evan Hull, Running Back, Northwestern

Valentino's take: "A bigger back who surprised many with his athletic testing, Evan Hull can be a fallback option if Minnesota plans to deal Dalvin Cook later this year."

Click here for Valentino's full mock draft.

Tommy Garrett of Pro Football Network

April 21, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Hendon Hooker, Quarterback, Tennessee

Garrett's take: "I would watch Minnesota as one of the teams who could trade up for a quarterback. However, if the board falls in their favor and they remain patient, Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker can easily drop into their laps.

"Hooker is the biggest variable of the first round and the draft as a whole. His age is a concern, and the offense he played, which helped propel him into a Heisman Trophy candidate, is also one of the most significant red flags for many, given that it is rather unrepresentative of an NFL scheme.

"Hooker has informed teams his ACL recovery is ahead of schedule, but he remains someone who is likely better off redshirting his first year. This is the prime spot to do it, as Minnesota is not incentivized to start him over Kirk Cousins.

"[Vikings Head Coach] Kevin O'Connell can work with Hooker and have him ready to become the QB1 when his name is called. He will be one of the most fascinating players to watch part of the 2023 draft class, especially if he gets first-round draft capital."

Click here for Garrett's full mock draft.

Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network

April 19, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Emmanuel Forbes, Cornerback, Mississippi State

Caplan's take: "The Vikings are in dire need of help at cornerback, and Emmanuel Forbes, who personnel sources say is clearly one of the better players at his position for this draft, is the pick.

"He's still on the board because of his wiry frame (weighed just 166 at the combine), which will be an issue for some teams, but the hope here is that he can bulk up over time.

"By the way, this is where the discussion should start for QB Hendon Hooker.

"He won't have to play this year while he rehabs an ACL injury, and starting QB Kirk Cousins is in the last year of his contract."

Click here for Caplan's full mock draft.

Oliver Hodgkinson of Pro Football Network (three rounds)

April 18, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Jordan Addison, Receiver, USC

Hodgkinson's take: "Ignore the somewhat lackluster combine performance — Jordan Addison is an explosive jitterbug from the slot who has the potential to bust open big plays on every single snap. There are few prospects in this 2023 NFL Draft class capable of manipulating defenses with eye-popping route running as the USC WR can while showcasing reliability as a pass catcher."

The predicted pick at 87 (third round): Antonio Johnson, Defensive Back, Texas A&M

Hodgkinson's take: "We're listing Antonio Johnson as a DB here because he has the ability to play across the secondary rather than be pigeonholed at one position. The do-it-all dynamo has the size, speed and length, to make an impact for the Vikings."

Click here for Hodgkinson's full mock draft.

Cam Mellor of Pro Football Network (seven rounds)

April 18, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Trenton Simpson, Linebacker, Clemson

Mellor's take: "It's been some time since we haven't seen a linebacker selected in Round 1 of an NFL Draft, and, despite some notions to the contrary, 2023 will be no different. Trenton Simpson can play well at every single level of defense and excels in coverage. That coverage talent will go far as he helps the Vikings' unit immediately."

The predicted pick at 87 (third round): Tyrique Stevenson, Cornerback, Miami

Mellor's take: "Still adjusting to the cornerback position full-time, Tyrique Stevenson has the versatility to line up anywhere in the secondary for the Vikings immediately."

The predicted pick at 113 (fourth round after trade with Falcons for 119 and a 2024 sixth-round pick): Tyler Scott, Receiver, Cincinnati

The predicted pick at 158 (fifth round): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Quarterback, UCLA

The predicted pick at 216 (sixth round after trading down from 211 with 49ers): Cory Durden, Defensive Tackle, N.C. State

The predicted pick at 247 (seventh round pick acquired after trading down from 211 with 49ers): Christian Young, Safety, Arizona

Click here for Mellor's full mock draft.

Kyle Yates of Pro Football Network (seven rounds)

April 13, 2023

The predicted pick at 23: Brian Branch, Safety, Alabama

Yates' take: "Minnesota literally has needs everywhere on its roster going into the 2023 NFL Draft. You could close your eyes and point randomly to essentially any position on the depth chart, and it would make sense for the Vikings to invest a first-round pick in it.

"However, Minnesota's defense historically has highly valued the safety position. Harrison Smith has been a cornerstone piece for years now, but at 34 years old, he's coming up on the tail end of his career.

"Minnesota's strategy needs to be adding BPA at each selection in this draft due to the state of their roster. Branch easily qualifies for that line of thinking."

Click here for Yates' full mock draft.

Jamie Eisner of The Draft Network

April 23, 2023

The predicted pick at No. 2 (after trade with Texans): Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

Eisner's take: "Surprise! You may have seen the betting odds change for the No. 2 overall pick on Saturday, with Will Levis becoming the odds-on favorite. But I don't think that's because the Texans are taking him. I've heard loud rumblings that Minnesota is very active in trying to trade up for a quarterback and I think they will pull off a blockbuster here. Levis will succeed Kirk Cousins after the Vikings chose not to extend the latter beyond this season. There is a major disconnect between how fans and those inside the NFL view Will Levis. Don't get me wrong, there are several people in the NFL who are uninterested in drafting Levis this high, but there are plenty who believe he is absolutely worth the cost with the upside to be the best passer in the class when it's all said and done."

Note: Eisner did not specify compensation for the trade.

Click here for Eisner's full mock draft.

Justin Melo of The Draft Network

April 19, 2023

The predicted pick at No. 3 (after trade with Cardinals): Will Levis, Quarterback, Kentucky

Melo's take: "The Arizona Cardinals possess an interest in trading out after the Texans select Anderson. Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort receives a king's ransom of draft picks and a proven EDGE in Danielle Hunter in order to move back. Kentucky quarterback Will Levis could be Minnesota's target. Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell runs a similar offense to what Levis once operated under Liam Coen at Kentucky."

Note: Melo has the Vikings trading away their first-round picks in 2023, 2024 and 2025, along with Hunter and the 87th overall pick this year to Arizona.

Click here for Melo's full mock draft.