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

Nakobe Dean – LB (Georgia)

Anthony Barr has been a fixture in the Vikings’ defense ever since the team used the No. 9 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft on him. But Barr’s time in Minnesota could potentially be over after this season.

The Vikings linebacker will be a free agent in 2022 and there’s no guarantee that the team will bring him back for at least one more season. If Minnesota ends up moving on from Barr, Georgia’s Nakobe Dean is someone the Vikings could turn to as a potential replacement.

After notching 71 tackles and 1.5 sacks at Georgia last year, Dean had racked up 37 tackles (including five for a loss) and 3.5 sacks in eight games this season.

At 6-feet and 225 pounds, he’s not as big as someone like Barr, but the Georgia linebacker hasn’t let that stop him from achieving success during his college career.

Dean is more known for his skills as a run defender, but he’s shown he’s capable of putting pressure on the opposing quarterback when needed. This versatility is something that should stand out to Minnesota if they actually do end up needing a replacement for Barr in 2022.