4 first-round prospects the Minnesota Vikings should avoid in 2022

Which projected first-round prospects should the Minnesota Vikings avoid in the 2022 NFL Draft?

Although the free-agent frenzy is taking center stage, there is also half an eye on the upcoming draft and which prospects will go where next month. The Minnesota Vikings aren’t blessed with much money to spend on out-of-contract veterans, so their best method of roster building appears to be from within the college ranks under a completely new regime.

This is the more traditional way of thinking. Although the Los Angeles Rams are proof positive that more drastic measures can succeed providing the right reinforcements are made.

It is a complex situation for the Vikings, who still have enough talent to compete despite Aaron Rodgers opting to stay with the Green Bay Packers. Keeping the team on a competitive trajectory will be a challenge, so much will depend on whether they can strike it big during the draft.

With this in mind, here are four projected first-round prospects the Vikings should avoid when the time comes.

Prospect No. 1

Daxton Hill – S (Michigan)

Harrison Smith is approaching the twilight of his career and 2022 might be his final season with the Vikings unless an extension arrives at some stage. This could lead the organization to bolster the safety position early in the draft process, especially if Xavier Woods doesn’t return in free agency.

One potential problem solver that’s expected to hear his name called earlier is Daxton Hill, a versatile defensive back who played a significant role in Michigan’s rise to the college football playoffs in 2021. Although this might be tempting, Minnesota should go in a different direction as he is relatively unproven and does need to improve from a strength standpoint once he gets to the pros.

The Vikings are in a prime spot at No. 12 overall. Hill has some outstanding physical traits, but taking him this high should be avoided.