With the 2022 NFL Draft coming to an end we take a look at the Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks and how they did.
Round 1, Pick 32: Georgia S Lewis Cine
Many Vikings fans had mixed opinions on this pick due to the trade that was made to get to the 32nd Overall Pick. Now looking back at the first round I can confidently say I love the pick of Lewis Cine and the fit with the Vikings. Although the Vikings have a capable starter in Camryn Bynum, I expect to see both of these players hit the field in 2022. Cine is a physical Safety and won the Defensive MVP of the National Championship in 2022.
Draft Pick Grade: A-
Round 2, Pick 10: Clemson CB Andrew Booth Jr.
This was a HUGE draft pick for the Vikings and set the tone for the draft in giving Vikings fans confidence in GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. Andrew Booth Jr. is another physical defensive back with ELITE ball skills. Some of the plays I have seen this guy make are unbelievable. The only issue for Booth is his injury history, but if he can stay healthy Booth can be a valuable player for the Vikings for years to come. This was great value for the 42nd overall draft pick.
Draft Pick Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 27: LSU IOL Ed Ingram
This was the first pick that I was a little confused by from Kwesi. I have heard a lot of mixed things about Ed Ingram, one side I have heard that he does not have much bad film and could be a Pro-Bowl caliber player and on the other hand, I have heard that he has bad balance and could have been available in the 3rd or 4th round. Ingram seemed to have had a pretty good Senior Bowl in the individual drills, specifically against new Packers DT Devonte Wyatt. Overall I think if the Vikings really liked Ed Ingram even with his off-the-field issues they should have at least waited until the 3rd round to draft him.
Draft Pick Grade: C+
Round 3, Pick 2: Oklahoma ILB Brian Asamoah
Even with Nakobe Dean still on the board, the Vikings decided to role with Brian Asamoah. I really like this guy, but not sure I like him enough to choose him over Dean even with his medical situation. Asamoah has a high upside and could be a future starter for the team sooner than we think. Learning behind Kendricks and Hicks, who have both played at extremely high levels throughout their careers, Asamoah could turn out to be pretty good.
Draft Pick Grade: B-
Round 4, Pick 13: Missouri CB Akayleb Evans
This was a pretty good pick for the Vikings in the 4th round. Akayleb Evans has a very good overall athletic score with great size and speed, as well as a good explosion and agility grade. Evans mentioned that his favorite player growing up was Patrick Peterson and he'll get a chance to learn from him in his rookie season.
Draft Pick Grade: B
Round 5, Pick 22: Minnesota EDGE Esezi Otomewo
Esezi Otomewo is a good fit for the Vikings' new 3-4 scheme. Esezi would fit in nicely at the 5-tech position, occasionally sliding inside. This will be a fun pick for the majority of Vikings fans that are most likely also Gopher fans. As long as he stays healthy I see no reason that Esezi won't get some snaps and see the field this season.
Draft Pick Grade: B-
Round 5, Pick 26: UNC RB Ty Chandler
I love this pick for the Vikings, Ty Chandler is an all-around good offensive skills player from the line of scrimmage. Chandler can read blocks extremely well, can pass block very nicely, and is a very good receiving back. With Alexander Mattison going into the final year of his contract this is a good depth pick for the future. Chandler could even make our Kick Return team look scary with himself and Kene Nwangwu lined up back there.
Draft Pick Grade: B+
Round 6, Pick 5: Illinois OT Vederian Lowe
I would be lying if I said that I knew much about new Vikings OT Vederian Lowe. I have read that Lowe is an average athlete and over-relies on his upper half. Either way with the Vikings' current Offensive Tackle tandem of Darrisaw-O'Neill, Lowe will likely just be competing for the Vikings' backup OT job as a rookie.
Draft Pick Grade: C
Round 6, Pick 12: Michigan State WR Jalen Nailor
We all knew we would probably draft a WR at some point in the draft, but this was a little later than I expected. With that being said I really like the Jalen Nailor pick in the 6th round. Nailor is a very athletic WR with a lot of upside in the new offensive era of the Minnesota Vikings.
Draft Pick Grade: B+
Round 7, Pick 6: South Carolina TE Nick Muse
With the final pick of Kwesi and O'Connell's first NFL Draft, they select a TE that can compete for the backup spot behind Irv Smith Jr. Muse is very athletic and versatile in the passing game, but he lacks consistency in the blocking game and needs to work on his hands with dropping the ball. Overall, Muse is a solid player for competing in a backup TE role.
Draft Pick Grade: C+
Draft Review: I think the Vikings really did a good job filling their needs, specifically in the defensive secondary and interior offensive line. They addressed depth in the secondary with Evans and secured two potential and likely starters at safety and cornerback in Cine and Booth. On the offensive line, they got a solid competitor for backup OT in Lowe, as well as competition at the vacant RG position with Ingram. They also fit the depth need on the defensive line in Otomewo, as well as the depth need at TE with Muse. The first trade the Vikings made I was not a huge fan of, but in the end, everything worked out with getting who we wanted and needed. Overall, Kwesi and O'Connell had a very good first draft and it shows good signs for the future of the new regime.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
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