Vikings 2022 Draft: Post Zimmer and Spielman three-round mock draft

Third Round (No. 77 overall)

Chad Muma – LB (Wyoming)

Going into this mock, the intention was not to go all defense, but with the way the board fell, this is where the value was, and for a team that desperately needs help on defense, this is not necessarily a bad thing.

The Vikings need all the help they can get on the defensive side of the ball heading into the 2022 season. Even with a guy as good as Eric Kendricks leading the linebacker room, the second level still could use some help.

Anthony Barr may have played his last game as a Minnesota Viking, and there is a mixed bag right now on who could be replacing him next to his former UCLA teammate Kendricks on the second level if Barr does not return.

Troy Dye is a high IQ and instinctual player that could take over that role as the second linebacker in a base nickel set. Chazz Surratt is another player that was drafted last year in the third round that rarely saw the field on defense that could get some time as well.

With all that being said, the uncertainty on defense remains, and gaining talent on all three levels across the board is necessary. Chad Muma is another player that is rising draft boards as of late, and there’s a great reason why.

He is a three-down backer that has quick instincts and a high IQ for the football. He can fly all over the field and shoot a gap in a blink of an eye. He’s got excellent movement skills coming off the edge and is one of the best open-field tacklers in the entire draft.

He isn’t the greatest in coverage, as at times he gets lost, but he has some great potential and a lot of quality athletic traits that he can develop those skills in the right system.

Other players that could be available: Romeo Doubs -WR (Nevada), Jaxson Kirkland – OT (Washington), Henry To’oto’o – LB (Alabama), Coby Bryant – CB (Cincinnati)