The NFL Draft has been a mixed bag for the Vikings as of late.
On one hand you have picks such as Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson, absolute studs at their respective positions and undeniable slam dunks in the draft. On the other, you have players such as Garrett Bradbury and Mike Hughes, who have not lived up to their billing, as well as players such as Irv Smith Jr. and Christian Darrisaw — promising at times, but derailed by injuries.
That's the recent legacy Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and first-year head coach Kevin O'Connell — the latest product of the Sean McVay coaching tree — face ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. No pressure.
Assuming Minnesota is content to wait in the draft, its first pick of the 2022 edition will come at No. 12 overall, where several players of need could potentially fall. In all, the Vikings have eight selections in the seven-round draft: one in each of the first three rounds, one in the fifth, three in the sixth and one in the seventh.
The Sporting News breaks down the Vikings' 2022 NFL Draft as well as how they might make sure they add another stud to the roster, as opposed to another dud:
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Vikings draft picks 2022: Who did Minnesota take?
- Round 1, Pick No. 32: Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
- Round 2, Pick No. 42: Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
- Round 2, Pick No. 59: Ed Ingram, G, LSU
- Round 3, Pick No. 66: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
- Round 4, Pick No. 118: Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri
- Round 5, Pick No. 165: Esezi Otomewo, EDGE, Minnesota
- Round 5, Pick No. 169: Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina
- Round 6, Pick No. 184: Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois
- Round 6, Pick No. 191: Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State
- Round 7, Pick No. 250: Nick Muse, TE, South Carolina
Click here for live analysis and grades on every pick.
Vikings 2022 NFL Draft order
| Round | Pick | Overall | Notes |
| 1 | 32 | 32 | From Rams, via Lions |
| 2 | 10 | 42 | From Commanders, via Colts |
| 2 | 27 | 59 | From Packers |
| 3 | 2 | 66 | From Lions |
| 4 | 17 | 122 | From Colts |
| 5 | 13 | 156 | From Ravens |
| 6 | 5 | 184 | From Jets |
| 6 | 12 | 191 | From Ravens, via Chiefs |
| 7 | 29 | 250 | From 49ers, via Broncos |
Vikings NFL Draft needs
- Center: This is an area of need, considering Bradbury — despite some flashes — simply hasn't lived up to expectations. Protecting Kirk Cousins should remain a priority for the Vikings, and that starts with the interior of the line, especially at center.
- Tight end: Another area lacking in production and depth, tight end could be a focus for the Vikings as early as the second round. Irv Smith Jr. has shown flashes but hasn't eclipsed more than 365 yards or five touchdowns in a given season. There's bound to be a quality rotational player in the draft.
- Cornerback: Patrick Peterson is back, which is good. Chandon Sullivan seems set as a slot corner, also good. Beyond that are Cameron Dantzler, Kris Boyd, and Harrison Hand, who seem to be in a battle for the corner opposite Peterson. If Derek Stingley Jr. falls as low as 12, the Vikings should absolutely jump at the chance to draft him.
Minnesota Vikings mock draft 2022
Here are the latest 2022 NFL Draft projections for the Vikings, according to Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft:
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 12 | Andrew Booth Jr. | CB | Clemson |
| 2 | 46 | Skyy Moore | WR | Western Michigan |
| 3 | 77 | Jeremy Ruckert | TE | Ohio State |
| 5 | 156 | Zamir White | RB | Georgia |
| 6 | 184 | Smoke Monday | S | Auburn |
| 6 | 191 | Jayden Peevy | DT | Texas A&M |
| 6 | 192 | Matt Waletzko | OT | North Dakota |
| 7 | 250 | Chasen Hines | C | LSU |
