The Minnesota Vikings could tear a lot down in the offseason, including their current quarterback. This mock draft sees a new signal-caller drafted.
The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2021 season with what looked like a playoff roster. Sure, they looked a bit undermanned at corner, and another Danielle Hunter injury hurt the defensive line, but they had Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, and Harrison Smith. The offense also looked promising with an improved unit up front and the emergence of Justin Jefferson to reach elite stats at receiver.
Minnesota led by seven in the majority of their games this season, and yet sit here at 7-9 with one week to go. Even with a victory over the top-seeded Packers, losses early against the Cardinals and Bengals, a tough loss to Cleveland, and giving up a win to the Lions didn’t inspire confidence.
Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft: New Era, New QB
Still, staying in playoff contention with issues in key spots was still impressive. They stayed in it until Kirk Cousins got COVID, and Sean Mannion had to start against the Packers in Lambeau, which effectively ended the season. Now, Mike Zimmer, Rick Spielman, and Cousins could all be out after the season with a team that’s stayed average. They’ve been on the doorstep, but also have missed the postseason.
Maybe Spielman stays, but Cousins isn’t the guy to take this team over the top. It’s hard to move on as he’s still a talented player, but it’s time. Now, the focus turns to the 2022 NFL Draft, where the Vikings will need to add more to the roster. Let’s look at the latest Vikings Mock Draft here at NFL Mocks, which features a quarterback, and help on defense.
As always, this mock was completed using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator.
Round 1, 12th Overall: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
There’s still so much to be sorted out in terms of the quarterback class for the 2022 NFL Draft. With the Senior Bowl set to be a proving grounds, someone is bound to separate from the pack. For now though, the list is down to three guys that could be the first one off the board. In this simulation, Matt Corral is selected first, so Kenny Pickett is the selection here for the Minnesota Vikings.
The growth from Pickett this season has been surprising yet fun to watch. A fifth-season breakout isn’t normal, but Pickett made the strides necessary to become a first round selection. His accuracy jumped up to all levels of the field, more notably his deep and intermediate accuracy. Pickett showed off impressive touch as well and his tape is littered with NFL throws, both off-platform and within rhythm.
Pickett’s poise is something that took a leap this season as well, as he looked much calmer amongst the chaos. He brings the leadership skills necessary to win a locker room as well. With a strong offensive line in Minnesota, two reliable weapons in the passing game, and an elite running back, Pickett is in a great position to succeed early.
Round 2, 43rd Overall: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
The defensive line is a unit that still needs work, and the Minnesota Vikings are in luck, especially with the talent on the edge. Hunter’s injuries are now something to monitor for the long-term, and Everson Griffen likely isn’t back. It’s possible they find a starter between D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones, and Janarius Robinson, but more help is necessary.
Myjai Sanders might not have had the season many were expecting from him, but his potential is sky high with the right coaching. Sanders is a very good rusher who has the athleticism, explosion, and flexibility to win around the outside and to counter by changing direction. He could start as a rotational rusher and grow into a three-down defender.
Round 3, 74th Overall: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
This Vikings mock draft continues with another Bearcats defender. Corner is probably a position that’s frustrated Vikings fans, and understandably so. It’s possible Patrick Peterson sticks around past this season, and Cameron Dantzler is still developing, but there is a depth issue and plenty of questions about the unit heading into the offseason.
Coby Bryant may be known as “the other Cincinnati corner”, but he did win the Thorpe Award. He’s a big, long, physical corner who looks good in man coverage. He can play in half-man turn technique, and stays patient with good transitions. Bryant has good instincts, a nose for the ball, and helps in run support.
Round 5, 157th Overall: Kolby Harvel-Peel, S, Oklahoma State
The fixing of the secondary continues for the Minnesota Vikings here on day three, and they take advantage of what should be a good 2022 NFL Draft safety class. Smith continues to play well, but he really doesn’t have a running mate anymore. The scheme might change, but Smith can rotate down and play deep.
Getting another rangy safety makes sense, and they get one in Kolby Harvel-Peel. Another big DB with good length, Harvel-Peel plays with impressive range on the back end when he plays in single high. He disrupts things at the catch point, tracks the ball well, and has good ball skills to create turnovers.
Round 6, 184th Overall: Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
The Vikings did draft Ihmir Smith-Marsette on day three last year, and he’s gotten some snaps this season as he works to develop into a complete WR3. Still, the receiver room needs some more depth, and they get it here in Calvin Austin III.
The return room doesn’t need help, but Austin can add a different dynamic to the offense. He can thrive in the slot when the Vikings roll with “11” personnel, as he displays great quickness and burst through his transitions. He has the speed to separate late in routes, and is a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands.
Round 6, 189th Overall: James Empey, OL, BYU
The only real question for the Minnesota Vikings on the offensive line is the center position, as the starters and depth look good everywhere else. Can Garrett Bradbury turn it around? It’s possible. Mason Cole has looked solid in relief, but he’s a free agent after the season.
James Empey brings good value late here, and could be a backup center for now with starting potential later. He’s got the quickness and finishing ability to thrive in the run game and the good balance and strength to handle things in pass protection.
Round 6, 207th Overall: Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin
The potential of no Barr next season is a wild concept, but this Vikings mock draft prepares for that possibility. Kendricks could have a new running mate, and Jack Sanborn is a solid addition this late in the draft. Sanborn has the eyes and instincts to be very good working downhill, and his processing speed can help when dropping to defend the pass.
Round 7, Trey Dean III, CB, Florida
The double down at corner is the way to finish this for the Minnesota Vikings. Trey Dean has had an up-and-down career for Florida, but has the ball skills and catch point timing to be an outside corner. He’s a good athlete with impressive play speed as well.