More Vikings 2022 NFL Mock Draft Action
Josh Frey
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The 2022 NFL Draft is still a long ways down the road, but it hasn’t stopped us at VikingsTerritory and PurplePTSD from having a bit of fun. We’ve had multiple mock drafts and reactions to others’ mock drafts throughout the sites, and today will just be the latest example of a Vikings 2022 NFL mock draft.
For this article, I decided to hop on over nflmockdraftdatabase.com and simulate my own three-round mock. I took control of the Vikings as if I had undergone a Freaky Friday experience with Rick Spielman, If you want to create your own mock drafts, I highly recommend that site. Here is how mine ended up.
R1 P12: CB Ahmad Gardner
This is the same player that Todd McShay sent the VIkings in his recent mock draft for ESPN. The Cincinnati Bearcat seems a lock to be among the top-3 CBs taken in the 2022 draft class. Where exactly he will fall among the group of Derek Stingley Jr., Andrew Booth Jr., and himself is unclear. In this particular mock,
Gardner is a long, physical corner that has solid coverage instincts and is fluid in his movements. He changes direction incredibly well, and he has terrific burst that can help him make up ground on anyone. I have often sent the Vikings a center, Tyler Linderbaum, in the first round, but this time, the New York Jets selected him at No. 7. Stingley went third overall to the Texans while Booth went at No. 11 to Philadelphia.
R2 P43: EDGE Myjai Sanders
The Vikings get back-to-back Cincinnati Bearcats to start this draft, and this time they get a premier edge rusher in Myjai Sanders. Danielle Hunter’s health has to be a question moving forward after back-to-back season ending injuries. Sanders can either be an excellent play opposite him, or he can take Hunter’s spot if need be.
At 6’5, Sanders is a lengthy rusher that uses his arms and hands to create leverage. He needs his length and speed because as of now, his size is not quite ideal. He doesn’t have the strongest base which allows him to get walled off, and that is ultimately what will cause him to fall out of the first round. Still, there is no doubt he has skill, and this would be a great pick for the Vikings.
R3 P74: CB Josh Jobe
The Vikings again address the secondary with their third-round selection. I contemplated sending them an interior offensive lineman such as Boston College’s Alec Lindstrom, but I’ve done that multiple times before. Just to play out all the options, I sent them Josh Jobe this time. Jobe is expected to miss the College Football Playoff with a foot injury, but when healthy, he has been a top defensive back in the SEC for Alabama.
Jobe has the make-up of a cornerback, but his awareness and ball skills could see him playing some free safety at the NFL level. He plays well in press coverage, and he forces receivers to reveal their intentions early in the route. At 24-years-old, he will be an older rookie, so depending on where the Vikings intend to go following the 2021 season, that may temper Minnesota’s excitement on taking him. He also needs to become a more consistent tackler. Overall, Jobe needs a bit of work, but he should contribute to the Vikings defense if they take him.