Vikings dream mock draft: The perfect haul for Minnesota in 2022
By Adam Carlson
Round 2 – Pick 46 overall: David Ojabo – Edge, Michigan
Normally, David Ojabo wouldn’t be available at this point in the draft. However, a torn ACL will cause him to miss the 2022 season. Some team may draft him and stash him before the Minnesota Vikings get on the clock in Round 2
Signing Za’Darius Smith and having a healthy Danielle Hunter should be able to allow time for Ojabo to heal and prepare for the 2023 NFL season where he could finally make his debut and be a monster of a pass rusher.
Whether Minnesota eyes him as a rotational or situational player or someone to take over for Hunter if the team looks to move on from him, Ojabo is too talented of a prospect to pass up if he is available when the Vikings are on the clock.
Ojabo flashed his potential during 13 games of the 2021 campaign at Michigan where he had 12 tackles for a loss including 11 sacks while causing five forced fumbles, defending three passes, and recovering a fumble.
This is a case of picking a high-potential player with a short resume as an investment in the future. It may not be a pick that gets immediate results, but it’s one that could be massive for the future of the franchise.