Fansided
Fansided

Minnesota Vikings 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft: CB, EDGE Early

By Jacob Schyvinck

Oct 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Drake Jackson (99) reacts following a defensive play against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Drake Jackson (99) reacts following a defensive play against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Derek Stingley Jr., 2022 NFL Draft
Derek Stingley Jr. is the favorite for the Minnesota Vikings at 12. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Minnesota Vikings address corner and edge early, and find some gems late in this 7-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft.

After a tumultuous 2021 season, change stood on the horizon for the Minnesota Vikings. Both Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer were relieved of duties, and it marked a new era, as the Vikings brought in Kwesi Adofo-Mensah from Cleveland to be the general manager, and Kevin O’Connell to be their head coach.

A new regime convinced many (at least early in the offseason) that change might also occur at the quarterback position, leading guys like Malik Willis to be in serious contention to go 12th overall. Instead, the Vikings extended Kirk Cousins for another season, a move that signals the 2022 NFL Draft will be one of adding talent in the trenches and around Cousins.

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft: CB, EDGE Early

As we turn to the 2022 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have some clearly defined needs. The offensive line needs another body or two, the corner position needs figuring out, and finding depth around the roster will be huge. Let’s dive in to a Minnesota Vikings mock draft that features corner and edge early, with plenty of value picks late.

Note: this mock draft was completed using the NFL Mock Draft Database simulator.

Round 1, 12th Overall: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU

With where the Vikings sit in the draft order, and what recent projections show, the Minnesota Vikings feel like a team who will look to move back when draft day rolls around. Picking up extra day two and three selections by moving back into the 20s would be a smart move, unless someone like Ahmad Gardner is on the board.

Gardner wasn’t available, and without a good trade partner in this mock, the Vikings stick and pick a corner with limitless upside. Derek Stingley Jr. has been looked at unfavorably in the draft process, as injuries and declining play from his outstanding freshman campaign have doubt creeping in for analysts.

However, the production from 2019, the instincts, patience, and impressive work at the catch point make it worth it here. He’s a dynamic athlete with great cover skills, and could help the Vikings solve the cornerback position, as a returning group of Patrick Peterson, Cam Dantzler, and others on the outside doesn’t feel like enough.

Home/Mock Drafts