My Ideal 2022 Vikings Draft
Here's who I would pick if I was in the GM chair for the Vikings on draft night.
With a new regime coming into Minnesota, they’re going to need to make a splash in the draft this year, so here is how I think they should approach the draft.
For this draft, I used the website The Draft Network and simulated every other teams picks except for Minnesotas.
Round 1, Pick 12: Iowa Interior Offensive Lineman Tyler Linderbaum
The interior of the Vikings offensive line this year was dismal to say the least. Mason Cole and Garrett Bradbury struggled to hold down the center position and guard wasn’t much better. Linderbaum has the ability to play both left and right guard along with center so he’d be a plug and play guy on day one.
He has great quickness when he pulls and incomparable power in the run game. This’d make a guy like Dalvin Cook and Alex Mattison very happy. He’s solid in pass protection as well which will be huge to give Kirk Cousins, or whoever is playing quarterback next year, time to get the ball in the hands of Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
Defensive back is a big hole for the Vikings, but at twelve with Booth, Stingley, and Hamilton off the board, it’d be a reach to grab another defensive back. Linderbaum would be best available and a huge asset to the Vikings.
Round 2, Pick 46: Georgia Safety Lewis Cine
Harrison Smith is getting older and Xavier Woods and Josh Metellus have not been the right fix at safety for the Vikings. Drafting Cine at this pick would be MONEY. Everyone focused on Georgia front seven this year, but Cine was able to lock down the back end of the defense.
Cine has over 100 career tackles with the Bulldogs, 73 coming this season to go with 9 pass breakups and 1 interception. He plays a lot like Tennessees Kenny Vaccaro with his ability to fill in the run and has the ability to track in the space.
In addition to his solid play in the run, Cine is good in man to man coverage. He can hold his own against slot receivers and tight ends, but he does struggle a bit in zone. Cine would be a great player for the Vikings to develop and hopefully have play midway through the year.
Round 3, Pick 77: Clemson Cornerback Mario Goodrich
I mentioned with the pick of Cine that defensive back is an issue. Drafting Mario Goodrich here would help a little bit with that issue. Goodrich is awesome in zone as he is able to see routes developing which gives him the upper hand in jumping routes.
While he’s great in zone, he also is strong in the run game because Goodrich is a tremendous tackler. He bites the ball and squares up ball carriers with no fear. He’s the type of player that can sit behind for the first portion of the season and develop a feel for the NFL and then come in if needed towards the end of his rookie season.
Round 5, Pick 154: Ohio State Interior Defensive Lineman Haskell Garrett
Minnesota has the depth when everyones healthy on the defensive line, but that’s been a rare occasion. With the revolving door of players being injured on the defensive line from Michael Pierce to Danielle Hunter, picking a defensive lineman here is vital.
Garrett is a 300 pounder that can play from a one to three tech and be effective because of his good first step and flexibility when working through gaps. When it comes to taking on double teams, Garrett just eats them up and is even able to “get skinny” through blocks to make plays. He’ll be a player that can work into Minnesotas interior defensive line rotation.
Round 6, Pick 183: Clemson Wide Receiver Justyn Ross
Ross didn’t put up insane numbers this year as he reeled in 47 balls for 524 yards and 3 scores, but he is still a solid player that I think could slide in the draft due to his limited route tree and injury history. Ross could develop into an efficient third option in Minnesota though if he stays healthy.
The Clemson pass catcher has a similar play style to Corey Davis as they are both long with good footwork. Minnesota needs a true number three and or four to go with Jefferson, Thielen, and Osborn, and Ross could definitely be this guy if injuries do not hinder his career.
Round 6, Pick 191: Indiana Linebacker Micah McFadden
Linebacker depth won’t hurt especially with Barr possibly leaving so taking McFadden here is a solid pick. He’s a true downhill defender with great eyes, but does struggle with quickness. Additionally, McFaddens not the type of guy to play backside because he struggles with tracking.
Round 6, Pick 209: San Jose State Edge Rusher Cade Hall
Like I mentioned about Garrett, depth is always an issue on the defensive line and I think Hall can be an emergency player on the roster if all else fails. He’s pretty physical in the run with a solid motor. Taking him here is low risk with a potentially solid reward.
Round 7, Pick 228: Arizona State Linebacker Merlin Robertson
And with the Vikings last selection, I think they’ll go with Merlin Robertson out of Arizona State. The Sun Devil linebacker has great quickness and is a solid pass coverage linebacker. He’ll be a nice addition in passing scenarios and on special teams.