The 3 worst decisions the Vikings can make in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Luke Parrish
The Vikings cannot pass up on a secondary player if available
If any of the top three secondary players are available when the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock, they have to pull the trigger. Any one of Derek Stingley, Ahmad Gardner, or Kyle Hamilton would be a massive acquisition for the Vikings with the 12th overall pick. Stingley and Gardner would both be immediate starters at cornerback while Hamilton, primarily a safety, would be all over the defense.
There is a chance all three are gone, which would still force a very good player into Minnesota’s mix. However, there is a very strong chance that at least one of them will be available. If I had to rank them, I would hope for Stingley first, followed by Gardner and then Hamilton. Either way, the Vikings would be thrilled.
Even with the return of Patrick Peterson, the Vikings need a cornerback that can be the building block of the future on the opposite side of Cameron Dantzler. In today’s NFL, you can never have too many quality cornerbacks.
Looking beyond the upcoming season, Minnesota needs to get better in the secondary. The pass rush has improved this offseason and that will make things easier on that unit but those defensive backs have to make plays when necessary.
Most mock drafts have the Vikings looking in the secondary for a reason. It is the most obvious need that can be easily attained in the draft where they currently sit. Without trading out of their pick in either direction, the Vikings can land a very good player to contribute right away. That should be their priority.