Recent Mid-Round Picks are a Mixed Bag for Vikings
K. Joudry
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Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer are no longer in charge, so many of the recent mid-round picks for the Vikings will need to earn their roster spot. Generally speaking, the GM and HC who draft a player will demonstrate some loyalty to their picks. A new regime will likely feel less compelled to keep some of these players around. Will Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell look to move on from some of the recent picks?
I’m thinking of the guys who were chosen in the third and fourth rounds in the past two drafts. Take a look at the players under consideration (with a shout out to PFR for helping me remember all the draft details):
| Player | Round | Year |
| Dantzler, Cameron (CB) | 3rd – 89th Overall | 2020 |
| Wonnum, D.J. (EDGE) | 4th – 117th Overall | 2020 |
| Lynch, James (DT) | 4th – 130th Overall | 2020 |
| Dye, Troy (LB) | 4th – 132nd Overall | 2020 |
| Mond, Kellen (QB) | 3rd – 66th Overall | 2021 |
| Surratt, Chazz (LB) | 3rd – 78th Overall | 2021 |
| Davis, Wyatt (iOL) | 3rd – 86th Overall | 2021 |
| Jones II, Patrick (EDGE) | 3rd – 90th Overall | 2021 |
| Nwangwu, Kene (KR) | 4th – 119th Overall | 2021 |
| Bynum, Camryn (S) | 4th – 125th Overall | 2021 |
| Robinson, Janarius (EDGE) | 4th – 134th Overall | 2021 |
The above group of players represent a mixed bag for the Vikings. Dantzler, for instance, looks like a starter on defense, someone who could reasonably develop into a great player. He’s likely to be relied upon to be a difference-maker in Year 3. Getting him at the end of the third looks like a great selection.
The team is enthusiastic about Bynum and Nwangwu. The former is competing for a starting spot opposite Harrison Smith. Even if Lewis Cine surpasses him, Bynum will play a pivotal role on special teams and defense. He’s going to get onto the field in three-safety looks. Meanwhile, Nwangwu is going to be a threat in the return game. He brought two kickoffs back for touchdowns last season, so opposing teams will be nervous about kicking the ball to Minnesota’s sophomore speedster.
Otherwise, the group of players mostly consists of guys who are depth contributors and guys who are fighting for their roster spot. As things currently stand, it looks like Davis, Lynch, and Surratt are all in a tough spot. It’ll be surprising if all three make the team. We’re also looking for clarity for how high Mond, Dye, Jones, and Robinson can ascend. I think all four will make the team, but it’s unclear how much responsibility they’ll have for the 2022 Vikings.
Every team and every general manager misses on draft picks. Indeed, the unfortunate reality is that not everyone makes it in the NFL. The Vikings have brought in a ton of mid-round picks in recent seasons, so it would be unrealistic to expect them all to make it. It looks like Dantzler, Nwangwu, and Bynum can be strong starters. A few others may be able to ascend into the same category.
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