Minnesota Vikings 2022 Mock Draft: What Happens In A Rebuild?
What happens to the Minnesota Vikings if everything is torn down for a rebuild? This mock draft explores that possibility.
The Minnesota Vikings are spiraling right now after a tough loss at home to the Dallas Cowboys and backup quarterback Cooper Rush. The loss sent the Vikings to 3-4, which is currently three and a half games back of the NFC North leading Packers. It’s going to be an uphill battle to reach the postseason, as they face the Rams, Ravens, Chargers, 49ers, and Packers twice down the stretch.
If the playoffs are indeed missed, there will be questions heading into the offseason. Can Mike Zimmer lead this team to the promised land? Is Kirk Cousins the guy going forward? There’s a chance a full rebuild goes down, which could lead to an interesting draft process for this team.
While this Vikings mock draft doesn’t explore it, quarterback could be a possibility. Cousins is still under contract though, and the organization did draft Kellen Mond in the third round last season. A quarterback class with plenty of questions could lead to waiting a year, even if a potential new head coach wants his guy.
Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft
Let’s dive in to look at who the Minnesota Vikings could select next spring in this 2022 mock draft which features a big rebuild on the defensive side of the ball.
Round 1, 14th Overall: Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
The amount that the Minnesota Vikings have put into the corner position in the last couple drafts makes this pick feel redundant and fans sick of it. That’s understandable, as Zimmer has been active in keeping the corner room full. The issue is that Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, and Mackensie Alexander are all free agents after the season.
Kaiir Elam should be considered in the top tier of cornerback prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s got great size for the position, and has incredibly efficient change-of-direction skills with his fluid hips. He’s sticky in man coverage and has the physicality and length to be a catch point disruptor. Elam could end up being the number one corner as early as next fall in Minnesota with Cameron Dantzler playing opposite him.