Minnesota traded pick No. 87 to San Francisco in the 2023…
Minnesota traded pick No. 87 to San Francisco in the 2023 draft for Nos. 102, 164 and 222. The Vikings selected Mekhi Blackmon, Jaren Hall and DeWayne McBride, while the 49ers used No. 87 on safety Ji'Ayir Brown. Brown became the most durable starter in the deal, reaching 31 starts and five interceptions through 2025. San Francisco therefore produced the stronger concentrated return.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2023 3rd round pick (102nd overall, Mekhi Blackmon)
- pick 2023 5th round pick (164th overall, Jaren Hall)
- pick 2023 7th round pick (222nd overall, DeWayne McBride)
San Francisco 49ers Received
- pick 2023 3rd round pick (87th overall, Ji'Ayir Brown)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Minnesota sent the 87th pick to San Francisco on April 28, 2023, and received No. 102, No. 164 and No. 222. The Vikings selected cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, quarterback Jaren Hall and running back DeWayne McBride. The 49ers used No. 87 on Penn State safety Ji'Ayir Brown. Minnesota chose quantity; San Francisco chose the higher individual selection and a more concentrated bet.
Why San Francisco Came Out Ahead
Brown became the best sustained contributor in the transaction. Through the 2025 season he had appeared in 49 games, started 31 and intercepted five passes. He earned a regular role in a veteran secondary and supplied several seasons of defensive value. Getting that level of starting production from the lone pick acquired gives San Francisco a clean, concentrated payoff.
How Minnesota Fared
Blackmon was a useful part of the Vikings' return and played meaningful cornerback snaps, so the trade-down was not empty. The rest of the package did not develop similarly. Hall made only a brief impact at quarterback, and McBride never became a regular-season factor for Minnesota. Three selections created more opportunities, but two of those opportunities produced little lasting value.
Final Verdict
San Francisco earns a B+ and Minnesota a C+. The Vikings' trade-down logic was reasonable and Blackmon contributed, but Brown became the most valuable and durable player produced by the exchange. The final record no longer supports a Minnesota victory. San Francisco turned one third-round pick into a multi-year starting safety, making this a San Francisco 49ers Win.