4 big winners from the Minnesota Vikings 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
![(Photo by Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) Harrison Smith (Photo by Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) Harrison Smith](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2020-2F10-2F9740192-850x560-e9479e9755250344f6f09821e14da2ad245100c1dcd258956d94e15e26ef8cb1.jpg)
Garrett Bradbury – C
Another player that had more than half an eye on what transpired during the 2022 NFL Draft was Garrett Bradbury. The former first-round pick was expected to get some competition at some stage, but the organization decided to go in different directions throughout their 10 picks and keep the North Carolina State product as their undisputed starter at the center spot.
Bradbury might not deserve such a clear run to the gig after his level of production since joining the Minnesota Vikings. But that’s what he apparently has unless the team goes down the veteran route in free agency.
Minnesota opted not to pick up Bradbury’s fifth-year option, which came as no surprise. If he is the team’s starting option in 2022, then it appears to be a one-year audition for the player to convince those in power that he is worthy of a longer-term commitment.
This is an opportunity Bradbury cannot afford to waste. Not picking a center from the college level is a major win for the former first-round pick, but what comes next will be of critical importance as the lineman looks to cement his status beyond the upcoming campaign.
That might be difficult based on recent production. However, it’s not entirely out of the question with improved options around him.