What We Learned No. 11
2022 draft class still has a lot to prove
Last year, the Vikings added 10 players to their roster from the 2022 NFL Draft. A few of them made a slight impact last season, but overall, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's inaugural rookie class didn't do much during their first years in the league.
All eyes will be on safety Lewis Cine in Minnesota's training camp this summer. The Vikings' top pick in 2022, Cine, missed most of last season with a serious leg injury, and if he's unable to crack the team's starting lineup this year, the doubts about his future in the NFL are only going to increase.
Linebacker Brian Asamoah, running back Ty Chandler, and cornerbacks Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans are all expected to be on the field a lot more in 2023 than they were as rookies. Will they be able to make the most of their increase in opportunities?
What We Learned No. 12
2023 draft class could make an impact immediately
With how small of an impact the 2022 rookie class made on Minnesota, there are certainly some skeptics when it comes to the group of players the team just added in this year's NFL Draft.
However, at least two of the six guys they selected are expected to compete for a starting spot in training camp and the preseason this summer. The Vikings' top pick, wide receiver Jordan Addison, and their third-round selection, cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, could both make an instant impact in 2023.
Minnesota could also see others like running back DeWayne McBride, defensive back Jay Ward, and defensive lineman Jaquelin Roy get some significant snaps as rookies next season.
If the Vikings get some solid production from their 2023 rookies, then it's going to make the doubts about the 2022 draftees a lot quieter.