6 prospects from the 2022 class who are getting late buzz from the Vikings

Esezi Otomewo – DE (Minnesota)

The Vikings’ new regime apparently does things differently than the previous one, as they are showing interest in a local product from the University of Minnesota in Esezi Otomewo.

Rick Spielman only drafted one Golden Gopher in his tenure with the team, so maybe Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will end that streak and the recent visit Otomewo had with the club points to this being a possibility.

Minnesota is transitioning to a 3-4 front. They are definitely looking for edge rushers to get after the passer, and already have added a nose to clog the middle in Harrison Phillips, but they also need five techniques who can seal the edges and takedown running backs. Otomewo is seen as a great fit in that role.

Otomewo is coming off a very good pro day and showed his surprising athletic ability for a guy standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 282 pounds. The problem with Otomewo is the lack of big-time plays and overall production in his time with the Gophers.

He had just 81 total tackles in his four years playing for Minnesota and only 7.5 sacks. He does what is asked of him in the overall scheme of the defense, but the lack of splash plays is a concern.

Otomewo is a freak athlete with great size and work ethic. If the right coach gets his hands on him, he could end up being one of the bigger hidden gems in this entire draft class.