5 first-round targets for the Vikings in the 2022 NFL Draft

(Photo by Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports) Carson Strong
(Photo by Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports) Carson Strong /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) Carson Strong /

Carson Strong – QB (Nevada)

Prior to Minnesota’s bye week, Kirk Cousins was playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the entire NFL. But Cousins’ underwhelming performance in the Vikings’ Week 8 loss to the Cowboys served as a reminder that Minnesota needs to consider investing a top draft pick next year in a potential franchise quarterback.

The Vikings did just select Kellen Mond in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. But if Minnesota has an opportunity to land a better young quarterback in the 2022 draft, then that’s a choice they need to seriously consider.

After throwing for 27 touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore last year, Nevada quarterback Carson Strong has already tossed a total of 24 scores in eight games this season. This year, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Strong is also completing 71.3 of his passes and averaging more than 350 passing yards per matchup.

The Vikings have already shown interest in the Nevada quarterback, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he ends up as their top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.