Vikings Draft 2022: Three-round mock draft to maximize Kirk Cousins
By Luke Parrish
How could the Minnesota Vikings use their picks in the 2022 NFL Draft to maximize quarterback Kirk Cousins?
Assuming Kirk Cousins returns as the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, the team will need to add pieces around him to make the most of it. If he is only expected to play one more season with the Vikings, they could go all-in for a title run if they truly think he can lead them to that result.
Cousins is not perfect, but he is still a very good quarterback in the NFL. He is going to need a lot more help to win a championship, but that should not deter the Vikings from trying to reach that goal in 2022.
Minnesota owns the 12th overall pick and could use it to add some serious talent across the roster and help the team win next season. The offense has enough pieces to be dangerous, and the defense, if healthy, can bounce back in a hurry.
This mock draft will look at the 2022 season through a specific lens: the goal of winning and getting the most out of Cousins in the immediate future. The long road does not matter, nor does the contract of Cousins. If Kirk is the guy next season, the Vikings can still trot out a strong team if they draft well this offseason.