Vikings 2022 Draft: Early three-round mock draft to fix the defense

First-Round Pick:

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner – CB (Cincinnati)

A lot of fans have seemingly grown frustrated with the desire to draft cornerbacks in the first round, but that’s an important position to hit on. Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes were very good for the Vikings, but injuries eventually slowed both of them down, and that is the memory that a lot of Vikings fans are left with.

Ahmad Gardner is most likely going to be the third cornerback off the board in 2022 behind Derek Stingley Jr. and Kaiir Elam. Andrew Booth out of Clemson is another guy in the mix at this spot for the Vikings.

Garder stepped in as a starter as a true freshman at Cincinnati and has been one of the best cornerbacks in the nation ever since. His growth as a press-man corner has elevated the Bearcats to a nearly flawless run over the past two seasons and has them in a position to make the College Football Playoff this year.

The technique, poise, and athleticism are all there for the junior defensive back. You won’t find many cornerbacks with a better track record this season or anytime soon. Gardner has not allowed a single touchdown in coverage since arriving at Cincinnati.

The Vikings need someone who can hold down the outside for the next decade. Cameron Dantzler has shown some flashes in his two seasons, but the team has virtually no depth at the position moving forward. Ahmad Gardner would be an incredible selection in 2022.