As the Minnesota Vikings enter a new era under new leadership, the excitement surrounding the 2022 NFL Draft has increased. Fans are hoping this is the regime that can take this team to new heights and possibly a Super Bowl. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have plenty of holes to fill, but appear to have a good plan in place to make that happen. Where could they go come April? Let’s take a look at one scenario in this Vikings 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft.
Minnesota Vikings 2022 7-Round Mock Draft
It appears O’Connell wants to keep Kirk Cousins at quarterback (for now). Using Pro Football Network’s free Mock Draft simulator, the Vikings attempt to address other areas of concern in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 12: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Minnesota desperately needs help at corner. Even with the update on former corner Jeff Gladney, the Vikings need a player who can make an impact relatively soon. Kaiir Elam brings great length and speed to the secondary. If you’ve watched his film, you noticed that there aren’t many wide receivers that can burn him. He’s that fast.
With Patrick Peterson’s status up in the air, adding a corner becomes a high priority. Either Elam lines up opposite Cameron Dantzler or learns from Peterson while rotating in this year. Either way, it’s a big help to a group that needs it desperately.
Round 2, Pick 46: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
Minnesota needs to add some youth at all levels of the defense. Devonte Wyatt is considered by many to be a potential first-round pick, and the Vikings would sprint to snatch him up in the second round. A powerful player with good hands and quickness, he could be a menace for this defensive line for a long time.
Round 3, Pick 77: Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
At one point, Jalen Pitre was considered a potential top-15 pick. Now, his stock falls back into Day 2, which means some team is getting a great value. Pitre was a do-it-all safety for Baylor. It’s a big reason why he finished his career with 195 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 10 passes defensed, 4 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles.
New defensive coordinator Ed Donatell would love Pitre. In every game, Pitre lined up at multiple different safety positions and even sometimes was utilized as a linebacker. His athleticism allows him to play comfortably all over the field, and the only thing preventing him from doing that with Minnesota is learning the new playbook.
Round 5, Pick 156: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
Minnesota doesn’t technically need a wide receiver, but drafting Calvin Austin III in the fifth round would be wise. Austin brings speed and attention to detail as a route runner to any receiver room he joins. Just like Justin Jefferson, Austin understands leverage and how to use his quickness to put a defender in a tough spot.
Jefferson and tight end Irv Smith Jr. remain Minnesota’s two best options in the passing game. Adam Thielen is 31, and there aren’t any other reliable options who can get separation consistently. Enter Austin, who can stretch a defense in the slot or even outside with his speed.
Round 6, Pick 183: Thayer Munford, G, Ohio State
The Vikings haven’t had a ton of great luck drafting interior Ohio State linemen, so it’s only fitting that they do it again with a new staff. At his peak, Thayer Munford was considered one of the best tackle prospects in the country. A move to guard put him in a new position, one that the Vikings need to address to keep Cousins upright.
Round 6, Pick 191: Amaré Barno, EDGE, Virginia Tech
Many analysts knew that Amaré Barno was quick, but a 4.36 40-yard dash opened some eyes to just how fast he can be. The reason why he’s a Day 3 prospect is that he needs time to develop his skill set. If he can figure it all out, pairing him with Danielle Hunter gives Minnesota a couple of dangerous edge rushers.
Round 6, Pick 207: Mike Rose, LB, Iowa State
Mike Rose brings a high football IQ to the Vikings in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. It’s the biggest reason why he was so productive at Iowa State. The Cyclones staff put a lot on his plate, and he ate it all up — even when they asked him to play outside linebacker. Rose is not afraid to make a play and doesn’t hesitate on reads because he prepares better than anyone else on the field.
Round 7, Pick 230: David Anenih, EDGE, Houston
Why not take a flyer on a player with great explosiveness? When David Anenih wins, he typically does so with his first step. There aren’t many EDGE players in this class with a quicker first step than Anenih, and it’s what makes him an intriguing prospect. If he wins around the edge, he’s a menace. He just needs to come up with some counter moves. Right now, thwarting his first move tends to be enough to keep him at bay.