7 cornerbacks the Vikings could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

Kaiir Elam (Florida)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-1.5 | Weight: 191 pounds

2021 Stats:

• 29 tackles
• 1 interception
• 5 passes defended

Kaiir Elam is one of the biggest home run swings in this draft. He comes from an NFL bloodline, following in the footsteps of his father (Abram Elam) and uncle (Matt Elam), both of whom stood out for their ability to lay the wood. While Kaiir is not the same physical thumper in the run game, he does have the size and frame to become that player if he truly wants to.

Elam is long and loves to play near the line of scrimmage as a press-man cornerback. While he is not the most aggressive tackler in the draft, he has shown flashes of being a strong defender against the run and on screens to his side of the field.

I do think Kaiir is most comfortable in press coverage, but his skill set and physical profile suggest that he can be a starting cornerback in a zone scheme as well. He features incredible ball skills and recovery speed that will allow him to make plays regardless of how he is used in the defense.

As the draft approaches, Elam is projected to land in the later stages of the first round or potentially at the top of the second round. The Vikings are in an interesting spot with their 12th overall pick and could use that spot to trade back if a quarterback or pass rusher falls.

There is even the potential of a team with assets trying to move up for a top wide receiver. The Chiefs hold two picks at the end of the first round after trading Tyreek Hill and could be in the mix to come up for Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave. If the Vikings move back, Elam would be a candidate later in the first round.

Personally, Elam is my CB3 behind Gardner and Stingley but mocks and other boards indicate that Elam will not go as high as I would take him. Picks No. 22 through No. 35 seem to be his range later this month.