Minnesota Vikings select Cam Smith in first round of 2023 NFL Mock Draft

Cam Smith (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Cam Smith (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings
Steve Avila (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Steve Avila. 159. player. 872. . Offensive Guard/Center. Horned Frogs

The interior of the offensive line is another area that the Minnesota Vikings could look to improve with Garrett Bradbury set to be a free agent. The former first round pick has started 57 games over the past four seasons but the Vikings didn’t pick up his fifth-year option which could be an indication that they are ready to look for a new player at the position.

Whether they sign Bradbury this offseason to a new contract or not, Steve Avila makes a lot of sense for the Vikings and what they need. He has experience both at guard and center and could essentially be a backup at three positions on the offensive line or compete for one of those starting jobs.

Chris Rodriguez Jr.. 199. player. 833. . Running Back. Wildcats

Another player set to be a free agent is Alexander Mattison, who has primarily been the backup to Dalvin Cook during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. However, when given the chance to start in games that Cook has missed due to injury he has produced.

Even though there are a number of good running backs set to be free agents, Mattison should have a good market and it seems unlikely he returns to the Vikings.

A player that could replace Mattison is Chris Rodriguez Jr. out of Kentucky. He is a big, physical running back that had over 300 carries the past two seasons with Kentucky and ran for over 2,200 yards with 16 rushing touchdowns.

He doesn’t provide much in the passing game but Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a great running back to split some of the rushing work in Dalvin Cook for this offense.