Vikings Mock Draft Monday: Minnesota Snatches a Top Defensive Lineman
Josh Frey
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The 2022 NFL season came to a wrap over the weekend as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super LVII. Because of that, it is officially the NFL offseason, and that means, it’s officially NFL mock draft season as well. Here’s a look at the latest edition of Vikings Mock Draft Monday conducted by using the simulator on NFL Mock Draft Database.
Day 1
Round 1, Pick 23: Clemson DL Bryan Bresee
Something tells me Bryan Bresee will be gone by the time the Vikings are picking in the first round, but if he isn’t, he’s certainly worth being on Minnesota’s radar. He’s had a knack for being a terrific pass rusher on the interior of Clemson’s defensive line throughout his collegiate career, and with Dalvin Tomlinson entering free agency, Minnesota certainly has a need there.
Day 2
Round 3, Pick 77: Iowa LB Jack Campbell
The Vikings need to find more youth at the linebacker spot, and Jack Campbell has been one of the more dominant defenders in college football at that position in 2022. He’s an outstanding tackler with a nasty side to him, and he has sideline-to-sideline speed that can cover ground in a hurry.
Seeing as the Vikings could move on from both Jordan Hicks and Eric Kendricks this offseason, this position could desperately need more depth for the Vikings. If that ends up being the case, Campbell is a great option for Minnesota.
Day 3
Round 4 Pick 119: Oklahoma RB Eric Gray
At the Senior Bowl last week, Eric Gray showcased a great combination of rushing ability between the tackles and some soft hands as a receiver as well. We all expected to see Dalvin Cook become more of a pass-catcher in 2022 for the Minnesota Vikings offense, but that never truly came to fruition as the season went along.
Now, with Cook supposedly being unwilling to take a paycut, and Alexander Mattison already set to hit free agency, the Vikings could be in need of not only running back depth, but a starter at the position. Gray offers that sort of upside.
Round 5 Pick 160: Princeton WR Andre Iosivas
Andre Iosivas was another player that showed he can hang with the big boys at the Senior Bowl. His speed was electrifying all week long, and he displayed some intricate route running ability on top of that.
The Vikings may still want to find a consistent WR2 opposite Justin Jefferson, but even if they just want a speedy option out of the slot, Iosivas is a great option at this point in the draft.
Round 6 Pick 177: Rutgers CB Max Melton
You may be noticing a lack of defensive backs in this mock draft, and I also wish I would have been able to get one earlier in this draft. However, I think we need to be just as prepared for the Vikings to try to fill that position in free agency as we are for them to go after a top corner in the draft.
Assuming they get a top CB in free agency, Max Melton offers a nice depth piece this late in the draft. The Rutgers CB has been one of the more physical defensive backs in college football, and he poses a problem for smaller WRs at the line of scrimmage with his sturdy frame.
The 2023 NFL Draft Order Is Set
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.