Minnesota Vikings 2022 midseason rookie round-up
By Nik Edlund
Fifth-Round Pick (165th Overall)
Esezi Otomewo – DE
Stats:
- N/A
Esezi Otomewo hasn’t played a defensive snap yet for the Vikings. While that isn’t unusual for a fifth-round rookie, it is a little disappointing that players like journeyman Jonathan Bullard and James Lynch are seeing snaps before he does.
Sixth-Round Pick No. 1 (184th Overall)
Vederian Lowe – OT
Stats:
- N/A
Not much to say about Vederian Lowe. He was cut and then signed to the practice squad. He’s back on the active 53, and with Oli Udoh’s legal situation, it’s fair to assume we may see him take the field at some point this season in a certain package or if a starter gets hurt.
Sixth-Round Pick No. 2 (191st Overall)
Jalen Nailor – WR
Stats:
- 1 catch
- 13 yards
It was thought that Jalen Nailor would compete for the fifth wide receiver spot and also make a push to be the kick and punt returner. The Vikings opted to keep him over veterans like Albert Wilson and Trishton Jackson, but he hasn’t had much of a role on offense.
His lone reception came from punter Ryan Wright on a successful fake punt in London. He did make a nice catch, scooping up the duck before it bounced on the pitch.
Nailor’s role for the remainder of the season will likely be relegated to special teams unless there is an injury higher up the depth chart.
Seventh-Round Pick (227th Overall)
Nick Muse – TE
Stats:
- 1 game played
Nick Muse was cut at the end of the preseason but was signed to the Vikings practice squad. He has since been elevated to the active roster after Ben Ellefson was injured. Muse didn’t get a target in his lone appearance and perhaps he won’t all year.
The fact he is hanging around shows he does have some potential, and with Irv Smith Jr.’s future with the team in doubt after this season, Muse could be a guy who has an expanded role in year two.