2022 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Defense Rebuilt In 3-Round Projection

12. Minnesota Vikings: Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida

People who follow the Minnesota Vikings have every right to be sick of seeing cornerbacks mocked to their team in the first round. Since 2012 the Minnesota Vikings have selected seven cornerbacks in the first three rounds of the draft. Four of those seven cornerbacks were selected in the first round. The only cornerbacks remaining on the roster that have been drafted within that span are 2020 third-round pick Cameron Dantzler and 2016 second-round pick Mackensie Alexander who returned to the team this offseason after spending last year with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Minnesota has a need at cornerback for a couple of reasons. The first reason that Minnesota needs to prioritize drafting a cornerback early this year is that they cut 2020 first-round pick Jeff Gladney after a domestic violence incident. Secondly, the Vikings could lose their number one corner Patrick Peterson to free agency this upcoming season. Even if Peterson returns to Minnesota next year he will be 32 by the start of next season. The third reason is that Bashaud Breeland has struggled this season playing opposite Peterson.

Fortunately for Minnesota, this draft class is extremely deep at cornerback. If they are picking with the 20th pick in the draft as they are in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft then they could have an opportunity to take Flordia cornerback Kaiir Elam. Minnesota would be drafting a cornerback that has locked down opposing receivers over the last two seasons at Florida. Elam has the potential to be the player Mike Zimmer has struggled to find to replace former All-Pro Xavier Rhodes.

Minnesota has the offensive firepower to be a playoff team in the NFC. If they could add some young talent to their defense they could be a potential Super Bowl contender next season.