2022 NFL Draft: Where would Vikings pick if the season ended today?

After their first nine games of the 2021 season, what selection would the Minnesota Vikings have in the 2022 NFL Draft if the season ended today?

Over the years, the Minnesota Vikings have been able to add several vital pieces to their roster during the NFL Draft.

Guys like Eric Kendricks, Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, Harrison Smith, and Brian O’Neill all became a part of Minnesota’s roster with a draft selection.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman is big on getting as many draft picks as possible to maximize the chances of landing a prospect who can make an impact for the team. During the last three years, Minnesota has made at least 11 selections during the draft, and one should expect something similar to take place in 2022.

What pick would the Minnesota Vikings have in the 2022 NFL Draft if the 2021 season ended today?

With a 4-5 record after their first nine matchups of the 2021 campaign, the Vikings are currently half of a game behind the seventh and final seed in the NFC playoff bracket.

Had they suffered a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last week, Minnesota might have been heading towards having a top-10 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Instead, the Vikings and their 4-5 record would have the No. 13 pick in next year’s draft if the 2021 season ended today.

If Minnesota did actually end up with the No. 13 draft selection in 2022, it would be the highest they’ve been slotted in the first round since 2015 when they had the No. 11 pick. In that draft, the Vikings used their first-round selection on former Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes.

Even though Minnesota wouldn’t have a top-10 pick in 2022, they could still land a very talented prospect with the No. 13 selection.

Guys like Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green, Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis, Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., and North Carolina State interior offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu are some of the top 2022 prospects that could still be available when the Vikings would go on the clock with the No. 13 pick.

While some Minnesota fans would rather have the team draft inside the top 10 next year if they don’t make the playoffs this season, the No. 13 selection is a pretty good consolation prize if the Vikings find themselves on the outside of the postseason again this year.