Minnesota Vikings 2022 Draft Projections, Positions Needed & Mock Draft

Minnesota Vikings 2022 Draft

Strictly by the numbers, the Minnesota Vikings considering a move from quarterback Kirk Cousins seems strange. In 2021, Cousins passed for 4,221 yards and 33 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. Minnesota is eager to get back on the winning track, after not making the playoffs since Cousins’ first season there in 2019.

The major issue with keeping Cousins is his cap hit. Cousins is set to cost the Vikings $45 million against the cap for a Minnesota team that was $11.8 million over the maximum total. Minnesota will likely be open to wholesale changes, firing coach Mike Zimmer after an 8-9 campaign.

If Minnesota decides not to trade Cousins, the Vikings’ new coach Kevin O’Connell may have been the perfect choice to work with him. O’Connell was Cousins’ quarterback coach with Washington in 2017. Despite finishing that season 7-9, Cousins threw for 4,093 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Players Leaving the Minnesota Vikings

Linebacker Anthony Barr may end up hitting the free-agent market. Barr has been an effective player on the Vikings’ defense, but hasn’t been able to stay healthy and play in a full season since 2017. Last year, Barr was limited by a knee injury, recording 72 tackles (including 2½ sacks) in 11 games,

Offensive tackle Rashod Hill has played in 74 games for the Vikes since 2016. Hill was forced into action last season in five games-despite an injury-and had a difficult time. Defensive end Everson Griffen is also a questionable to return. Griffen stepped away from the team in December due to a mental-health incident.

Griffen has said he may be interested in a return to football, but not necessarily in Minnesota. Punter Jordan Berry has had an inconsistent career, but was alright last season. The Vikings may seek to upgrade that position if they can find a cheaper fit.

Sean Mannion did not perform poorly as Cousins’ understudy. In his first career start, he passed for 189 yards and a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers last season. Mannion, however, may be sent packing as Minnesota seeks to revitalize the position.

Positions Needed by the Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota could use some help at cornerback. While the Vikings intercepted 16 passes last season, most were from the safety and linebacker position. Bashaud Breeland led Minnesota’s cornerbacks with two interceptions. Safety Xavier Wood and Barr each picked off three.

Minnesota will also look to enhance the interior of its offensive line. Vikings’ running back Dalvin Cook was a monster when healthy, wian an average of 4.7 yards per carry. He went for 1,159 yards and six touchdowns. Minnesota’s line could use help at center and guard.

Quarterback is an interesting situation, due to their desire to trade Cousins. If Cousins does leave for another city, is Minnesota willing to give Kellen Mond-whom the Vikings drafted last season-a shot at being the starter? It is likely that if a trade does happen, Minnesota looks at a quarterback in free agency or the draft.

With uncertainty regarding Danielle Hunter’s return to the team, the Vikings will also be looking to add another edge rusher into the mix. Minnesota’s pass rush last season was more than solid, with 51 sacks. Defensive end D.J. Wonnum led the team with eight. Four other Vikings had at least five.

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft

The Vikings will have eight selections as they try to climb back into the playoff picture. With the No. 12 pick in the first round, Minnesota may be able to find secondary help, as Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner can do a lot of things.

Gardner intercepted three passes, recorded 35 tackles and sacked the quarterback three times during his junior year with the Bearcats. Gardner also defended four passes, helping Cincinnati reach the College Football Playoff for the first time.

In the second round, Minnesota could look to add Gardner’s college teammate, Myjai Sanders. Sanders was named first-team All-AAC, recording 7½ tackles for loss and 2½ sacks last season. Sanders also recorded 41 tackles, 17 of which were solo takedowns. He’s another edge player would be invaluable to the Vikings.

In the third round, the Vikings could look for wide-receiver help and grab Clemson’s Justyn Ross. Despite declining production since his freshman year (46 catches, 1,000 yards, nine touchdowns), it’s noted that the Tigers were inconsistent at quarterback last season. Ross hauled in 46 catches for 514 yards (three touchdowns) a season ago, Ross is listed at 6-foot-4, has nice size and could flourish in the pros.

In the later rounds, Minnesota will look to get some depth at running back. Georgia back James Cook may be a good option. He had a strong senior season, averaging 6.4 yards on 113 carries, with seven touchdowns. Cook, who rushed for 728 yards, also caught 27 passes for 284 yards and four touchdowns. Check the Vikings NFL Draft odds and NFL Odds.

2022 NFL Draft Event Information

Date: Thursday, April 28th (Round 1) | Friday, April 29th (Rounds 2-3) | Saturday, April 30th (Rounds 4-7)
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Thursday) | 7 p.m. ET (Friday) | Noon ET (Saturday)
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, NV
TV Channel: ABC | ESPN | NFL Network
NFL Draft Live Streaming: NFL Game Pass