In their first offseason under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Minnesota Vikings have been quietly active during free agency. The headline move was signing former Green Bay Packers edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. However, they also made some under-the-radar moves. They added slot cornerback Chandon Sullivan from the Packers and Jordan Hicks from the Arizona Cardinals. After filling several of their holes in free agency, the Vikings can focus on taking the best available player with most of their picks during the 2022 NFL Draft.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 12: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Minnesota has invested multiple draft picks in the cornerback position over the past few years. However, they haven’t been able to find a lockdown No. 1 cornerback. Last year they signed Patrick Peterson to fill that role. While he had a productive year, Peterson will be 32 years old in July and is still a free agent. At this point, it appears unlikely he will return to Minnesota next season. Meanwhile, Booth had an excellent career at Clemson with five interceptions, and nine passes defended in the past two years. He offers an exciting blend of size, athleticism, instincts, physicality, ball skills, and competitive toughness that give him the makeup of an impact starter as a rookie.
For more on Booth, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 46: Perrion Winfrey, DL, Oklahoma
With a switch to a base 3-4 defense, the Vikings have made some adjustments to their defensive line. They released Michael Pierce after he played only eight games in two years with the team. He was replaced by former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. However, the Vikings have an open spot at one of their defensive end spots. Minnesota has a few young players who could earn that spot, like Jaylen Twyman or Armon Watts. However, Winfrey has more upside than either player. In his final year at Oklahoma, Winfrey had a career-high 5.5 sacks. More importantly, he dominated during the Senior Bowl week, making him a top-50 lock.
For more on Winfrey, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 77: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
Irv Smith missed last season because of a torn meniscus. The Vikings still view him as part of their future, but he is entering the final year of his rookie contract. They lost Tyler Conklin in free agency as he signed with the New York Jets. Conklin was productive filling in for Smith last season, finishing with a career-high 61 receptions for 593 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Currently, the depth behind Smith is lackluster. Meanwhile, Likely was unstoppable last season at Coastal Carolina. He had a career year with 59 receptions for 912 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His 12 touchdowns finished tied for the eighth-most in college football. Adding Likely would give the Vikings options with Smith entering the final year of his rookie deal.
For more on Likely, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 156: Bryan Cook, SAF, Cincinnati
Last offseason, the Vikings lost Anthony Harris as he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Minnesota signed Xavier Woods on a one-year deal to replace Harris. Unfortunately, Woods signed with the Carolina Panthers during free agency. 2021 fourth-round pick, Camryn Bynum, will have the first crack at filling the starting spot opposite Harrison Smith. However, he shouldn’t earn the starting spot unchallenged. In his only season as a starter, Cook had nine passes defended and was a critical part of Cincinnati’s elite defense. Even if he doesn’t beat out Bynum for the starting role, Cook is a value pick here as he can play a massive role on special teams.
Round 6, Pick 184: Damone Clark, LB, LSU
The Vikings have one of the best linebackers in the NFL in Eric Kendricks. They added Hicks to man the middle of their new 3-4 defense with him. However, the Vikings can get out of Hicks’ contract after the 2022 season for only $1.5 million. Unfortunately, Clark had to undergo spinal fusion surgery, and he likely won’t play in 2022. The injury will impact his draft stock and could cause him to go undrafted. However, the Vikings should use a day three pick. Before the injury, Clark was a likely second-round pick. Furthermore, he was one of the best linebackers in college football last season. Even if he misses his entire rookie season, Clark is a steal at this pick, given his upside.
Round 6, Pick 191: Obinna Eze, OT, TCU
Minnesota has done an excellent job building up their offensive line. However, there is no such thing as too much depth. Rashod Hill was the swing tackle for the Vikings last season, but he is still a free agent. Eze is a massive offensive tackle, coming at just over 6’6” and 325 lbs. He has started 25 consecutive games and gotten better in every game. More importantly, he has the length and reach to slow down pass rushers before they can get into their moves. While he is a developmental prospect, Eze could become a critical part of the offensive line in a year or two.
Round 6, Pick 192: Chris Paul, iOL, Tulsa
With back-to-back picks, the Vikings select back-to-back offensive linemen. They have used either a first or second-round pick on the offensive line in each of the past four drafts. While the starting five seems intact for next season, the Vikings could improve their depth at every position. Paul was a four-year starter for Tulsa. He started two years at guard and two at tackle. While many believe he is best suited to play guard in the NFL, Paul could kick out to tackle in a pinch. The Vikings have done well fixing their offensive line the past few years. Adding an experienced and versatile player like Paul on day three is a smart move to make.
Round 7, Pick 250: Abram Smith, RB, Baylor
Smith started his college career playing linebacker at Baylor. However, he switched to running back before the 2021 season. In his lone season as a running back, Smith had over 1,600 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 6.2 yards per rushing attempt. His physical style of play and ability to play special teams will intrigue teams in the later rounds. While Dalvin Cook is one of the best running backs in the NFL, the mileage on his body is starting to add up. More importantly, Alexander Mattison is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Thanks to his physical play and ability to play special teams, Smith would be a valuable pick for any team this late in the draft.
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