Vikings Draft 2022: Three-round mock draft to maximize Kirk Cousins

Third-Round Pick

Myjai Sanders – EDGE (Cincinnati)

The edge class in 2022 is very interesting. Drake Jackson started the year as a first-round player but has slowly fallen out of the first round and even out of the second round in some mock drafts recently. Myjai Sanders, a fringe second-rounder, is a player that can still make an immediate impact right away.

Minnesota needs help on the edge regardless of Hunter’s availability, and although they have some other young guys to work with, they could always look to add more bodies to the mix. Patrick Jones II and D.J. Wonnum have rotational upside, but Sanders can be a starter.

If Sanders is on the board when the Vikings are on the clock in this spot, it would be hard to pass him up. He fills a massive need while also having the upside of being a starter for a long time in Minnesota.

This could be a spot where the Vikings look to add a wide receiver or even another tight end, but Sanders is the safer selection. If the Vikings want to win in 2022, they have to take players that can come in and improve the roster at spots where they were bad last season.

They did exactly that in this mock draft by adding a lockdown cornerback, a starting right guard to protect Kirk Cousins, and a pass rusher that can start from Day 1 if needed. With only one selection in each of the first three rounds, the Vikings could look to trade back and accumulate more picks, but that would strike me as more of a rebuilt attempt.

Minnesota can turn things around quickly. They just have to make sure they go after the right pieces this offseason.