2023 Vikings Mock Draft: What Minnesota needs 4 games into the 2022 season

Third-Round Pick

K.J. Henry – EDGE (Clemson)

K.J. Henry is quickly rising up boards after a strong start to his season with the Clemson Tigers. Although he works as a defensive end, he does have quite a bit of snaps as a stand-up rusher which could help transition him into Minnesota’s 3-4 defense.

Danielle Hunter does not look the same in a new scheme and recovering from two injuries. The Vikings would be smart to add more threats off the edge to help get after the quarterback and help out a struggling defense.

Henry is another candidate to outplay this draft slot if he continues to shine in an otherwise underwhelming EDGE class. Aside from Will Anderson at the top, there are a lot of pass rushers fighting to be in the next tier.

Even with just 10.5 sacks in more than four years for Clemson, Henry has the frame and tape to be worth a selection. In just five games this season, Henry has 4.5 tackles for loss with a sack to his credit as well.

At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Henry has the tools to be a developmental pass rusher. Spending a year behind Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith would give the Vikings a very fun rotation to rush the passer while also adding a good run defender.

Whether it’s Henry or someone else, we should expect the Vikings to be aggressive in fixing the defensive front next offseason.