Way too early 2022 mock draft for the Minnesota Vikings

Third Round

Joey Porter Jr. – CB (Penn State)

One of the bigger needs for the Vikings next season could be at cornerback. The team currently is set at the position, but some things could unfold that would make this their No. 1 need.

First of all, Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander are only signed to one-year deals. If they look for employment elsewhere next season, that will be a significant blow to Minnesota’s depth chart.

Jeff Gladney’s future is in doubt and he may never step foot on a football field again after his ugly incident this past winter. Mike Hughes is likely done with the team after the 2021 season, assuming he even makes the squad this year.

That would put Cameron Dantzler as the team’s top cornerback with Harrison Hand and Kris Boyd the top options behind him. The Vikings would have to look for a cornerback early and it could be with their first-round selection. If they decide to go a different route early as they did in this mock draft, then a guy they could look for down the board would be Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State.

The one thing that really sticks out about Porter’s game is his size and length. He’s 6-foot-2 and 193 pounds, but he has arms that damn near dangle by his ankles. He’s sticky in coverage and isn’t afraid to lay a hit.

He’ll need to show some improvement in his ball skills this season to secure his spot in the 2022 draft’s first two days, but being the son of former NFL linebacker Joey Porter will speak volumes for his football IQ and overall preparation. He’d be a solid choice in the third round by Minnesota and he would compete for a starting job right out of the gate.