Vikings Fans, Don’t Be Scared About Dropping Into The 20s

Jan 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) returns an interception for a 66 yard touchdown as safety Harrison Smith (22) follows off a pass by Chicago Bears quarterback Andy Dalton (not pictured) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

A trade down only makes sense if our friends in purple can get a nice return. Seeing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah send away the 12th selection in exchange for, say, the 20th pick must involve picking up at least a 2nd. Depending on the target, the Vikings might even be able to demand more.

There have been rumors about teams like the Steelers, Cardinals, Cowboys, and Chiefs all being interested in moving up. There is great receiver talent in this draft, and some teams may be in love with a QB prospect. If that’s the case, then a team or two may be looking to give Minnesota a call.

The Vikings find themselves in a unique spot in the draft. Moving into the top 10 – especially when one is beginning down in the 20s – often comes at an astronomical cost. At 12, the Vikings are close enough that they’ll be within striking distance of some of this year’s best talent. In all likelihood, someone will drop who ought not drop. If/when that occurs, KAM may get a phone call.

Obviously, it’s painful seeing good players fly off the board as we wait for Minnesota to get to their choice. Dropping into the 20s would only make the problem worse. Take a peak at some of their best picks of the past decade, though:

YearPlayerDraft Slot
2012Harrison Smith29
2013Xavier Rhodes25
2020Justin Jefferson22
2021Christian Darrisaw23

Obviously, there have been different outcomes for the four players listed above. In the end, Harrison Smith should be in the Hall of Fame. Seahawks fans may disagree, but Smith is the best safety of his generation.

Don’t forget how good Xavier Rhodes was. His 2017 year was sensational, a performance that would have been worthy of Defensive Player of the Year. Darrisaw still has a lot to prove. The early moments of his career, though, have been promising.

And then there’s Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ leadership was giddy for Griddy; they laughed at the Eagles for opting for Jalen Reagor instead of the LSU phenom:

The point I’m trying to make, folks, is that it’s not impossible to get amazing talent in the 20s. Every year we see players chosen in the second round and below who make a massive difference for their teams. Every single one of these players could have been had earlier if a team just had the right evaluation and then the gumption to make the move.

The Minnesota Vikings, in other words, will have their shot at a great talent if they decide to trade back. Doing so could involve getting a difference maker while also picking up more draft capital.



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