5 cornerbacks the Vikings should already be thinking about for 2022

Kaiir Elam (NFL Draft – Florida)

There is not a better fit for the Vikings in the 2022 NFL Draft than Kaiir Elam if you ask me. His physicality and length make him a perfect building block for a defense that lacks an identity in the secondary. He loves to get up close and personal with his opponent at the line of scrimmage and make life difficult for opposing offenses.

Minnesota’s corners have gotten far too comfortable with playing off in coverage and allowing opposing offenses to eat up space underneath. Having an aggressive cornerback like Elam will prevent those last-second touchdowns when the defense decides it is best not to defend the goal line.

Elam can play zone as well, which is excellent for a team that does not yet know how the defense will look next season. If Zimmer is gone and an entirely new coaching staff takes over, the Vikings could overhaul the scheme. Having a versatile cornerback who can play in any scheme will make that transition easier.

Ball skills are going to be the calling card for the Florida product. His ability to read and react when the ball is in the air and contest the catch at the high point is what makes Kaiir Elam such a special prospect.

While he is still growing as a run defender, there is a lot to like about the steps he has taken so far in his young career. Once he cleans up his angles and becomes a more confident tackler, Elam will be a complete player near the line of scrimmage. If he is available when the Vikings are set to make their first selection in 2022, Elam would be an excellent choice.