The Viking Age
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Vikings 2022 Draft: 5-round post-Super Bowl mock draft

By Adam Carlson

Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner (1) tackles UCF Knights defensive back Quadric Bullard (37) in the first half of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the UCF Knights on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Ucf Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats 142
Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner (1) tackles UCF Knights defensive back Quadric Bullard (37) in the first half of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the UCF Knights on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Ucf Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats 142 /
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Minnesota Vikings
Ahmad Gardner – Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

First-Round Pick:

Ahmad Gardner, CB – Cincinnati

The Minnesota Vikings are severely hurting at cornerback heading into the upcoming season. Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander are free agents, Bashaud Breeland was released during the year, Jeff Gladney got in legal troubles, That leaves Cameron Dantzler, Kris Boyd, Harrison Hand, Miles Dorn, and Parry Nickerson as the team’s corners moving forward.

Considering how bad the Vikings’ defense was in 2021, it would be a bit surprising to see this pick used on anything other than a top defender. For that reason, star cover man Ahmad Gardner should be near the top of Minnesota’s wishlist.

“Sauce” is an extremely athletic player who excels in man coverage. The 6’2 corner isn’t afraid to get physical and can use his length and speed to close off sections of the field. To put things in perspective, Gardner did not allow a single touchdown to be scored against him while at Cincinnati.

In three impressive years at the college level, he accumulated 99 total tackles (68 solo), defended 16 passes with nine interceptions, had 3.5 sacks, and brought two interceptions back for touchdowns.

The Minnesota Vikings could immediately plug him into their defense and be a better team for having him in the lineup. If the team can bring Patrick Peterson back, the blend of experience and youth among the starting corners would be amazing, and having such a successful mentor to help him develop could be huge.

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