The Current State of Affairs for Vikings’ 2022 Draft Picks
” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/andrewbooth23.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=701,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/andrewbooth23.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button”/> Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Again in 2022, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah arrived as the brand new Vikings basic supervisor. A person with no earlier expertise on the lofty place within the group and an analytical background slightly than a soccer one.
He went into the draft with no prior expertise to attract upon. Two years on is a good quantity of time to start out to attract conclusions on that draft. So, let’s have a look at the present state of affairs for the Vikings 2022 draft picks — one thing that has come into sharp focus with the discharge of that 12 months’s first-round decide this week.
The Current State of Affairs for Vikings’ 2022 Draft Picks
The first draft was all the time going to be a studying curve for Adofo-Mensah. His appointment, together with first-time head coach Kevin O’Connell, was by no means about prompt success. The Vikings have been going for one thing fully completely different and a long-term route. Minnesota made 10 choices within the 2022 draft, and of them, six stay on the roster. I’ll check out all 10 gamers, how their time in Minnesota goes/went, and the place they’re now of their careers.
Lewis Cine
The story of this draft will all the time be passing on Kyle Hamilton, already a first-team All-Professional security in simply his second season. Buying and selling again and taking Lewis Cine with the thirty second general decide seems to be like a colossal error now that he has been waived going into his third season with simply 10 defensive snaps and one sort out to his identify.
” data-image-caption=”
Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings security Lewis Cine (6) warms up earlier than the sport in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=443,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18913362.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1024,height=683,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/USATSI_18913362.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”Lewis Cine Pitched a Shutout vs. Lions. And Not in a Good Way.” class=”wp-image-79845″/> Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
A horrific harm in Week 4 of his rookie season actually hasn’t helped Cine’s progress. Regardless of some flash performs on this season’s preseason video games, the Vikings determined the time had come to maneuver on. Because of the harm after which a change at defensive coordinator, he was crushed out by Cam Bynum in coaching camp of his rookie season. It simply didn’t occur for him in Minnesota. Cine has signed for the Buffalo Payments.
Andrew Sales space
To make issues worse — following extra trades — the Vikings drafted cornerback Andrew Sales space within the second spherical with the additional decide they bought from the first-round commerce. Sales space was just lately traded to the Dallas Cowboys after failing to impress in two years in Minnesota. It leaves the highest of the draft and the trades make it appear to be a large number. Sales space made the preliminary 53-man roster in Dallas and appears to have a job on former Vikings HC Mike Zimmer’s protection for now.
Ed Ingram
Ed Ingram is the one participant from this draft who goes into 12 months 3 with a particular beginning function. The former LSU Tiger has had his struggles, however aside from lacking a pair of video games as a consequence of harm, he has been an ever-present proper guard since coming into the league.
” data-image-caption=”
Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Ed Ingram (67) defends in opposition to Las Vegas Raiders defensive sort out Vernon Butler (94) within the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities.
” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_18871217-edited.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=663,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_18871217-edited.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”vikings” class=”wp-image-111412″/> Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
It’s a giant 12 months for Ingram. Whereas he has achieved sufficient to carry on to his place for now, he wants to indicate continued enchancment if the second-round decide is to stay the Vikings RG over the approaching years.
Brian Asamoah
Seen by some as a candidate to be minimize this week, Brian Asamoah made the 53-man roster as one of the 4 inside linebackers. Asamoah had a promising rookie season resulting in hope of a breakout season in 2023. That by no means materialized as undrafted rookie sensation Ivan Tempo Jr. not solely handed him on the depth chart however disappeared into the space. In January, Asamoah had shoulder surgical procedure, and it was revealed that he had been hampered by a shoulder concern all of final season. It stays to be seen if the third-round decide can get again to displaying the promise of his rookie 12 months.
Akayleb Evans
Akayleb Evans was one of the early success tales of this draft class. The fifth-round decide confirmed promise in his rookie season and was named a beginning cornerback in 12 months 2. Coming into 12 months 3 Evans has gone from starter to presumably the underside of the depth chart if undrafted rookie Dwignt McGlothern surpasses him. Evans has had lots of alternative however has failed to indicate sufficient to maintain a job as a starter.
Esezi Otomewo
Esezi Otomewo solely lasted one 12 months in Minnesota. The Vikings drafted the Minnesota Golden Gopher edge rusher within the fifth spherical, and he performed in 5 video games in his rookie season, making 5 tackles, together with a sort out for loss. I used to be barely stunned he didn’t make the roster final season, and he subsequently wound up on the Jacksonville Jaguars observe squad. Otomewo earned his place on the Jaguars roster this season earning praise from HC Doug Pederson. How far Otemewo goes from right here stays to be seen, however I nonetheless really feel the Vikings minimize ties too early.
Ty Chandler
Ty Chandler discovered himself on the backside of the depth chart in his rookie season, with the fifth-round decide solely receiving six speeding makes an attempt, which he was 20 yards. His probability would finally are available in 12 months 2 when Alexander Mattison’s experiment as a lead operating again failed miserably, and an harm to Cam Akers left the trail clear for Chandler to complete the season because the Vikings RB1. Chandler ended the season with 461 speeding yards at a good common of 4.52 yards per carry and three touchdowns.
” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=766,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chandlerdobbs.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=684,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chandlerdobbs.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”do the appropriate factor” class=”wp-image-123280″/> Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
Minnesota introduced in veteran RB Aaron Jones this offseason to guide the backfield, however Chandler is the clear RB2. Jones and Chandler are the one backs on the roster, together with fullback CJ Ham. Jones’ age and harm historical past report ought to give Chandler lots of alternative this season. Working Jones too laborious is more likely to finish in harm. Chandler must be trying on the 500-yard mark and confirming himself as a stable RB2. Following the launch of Kene Nwangwu, Chandler is at the moment the lead kick returner in keeping with the depth chart.
Vederian Lowe
Sixth-round decide Vederian Lowe solely made it on the sector within the last recreation of 2022, standing in for Christian Darrisaw within the second half. Come 2023, Lowe was now not required, and he discovered his approach to the New England Patriots, the place he performed in 11 video games, together with eight begins final season. The Patriots depth chart lists him as a doable beginning left sort out going into this season. Lowe allowed six sacks and 38 pressures final season, together with a 41.7 general grade from Pro Football Focus. He could also be a starter in New England, however there’s nothing but to say Minnesota made a mistake in letting him go.
Jalen Nailor
The penultimate participant on this record is the one I’m most enthusiastic about in 2024. Jalen Nailor burst onto the scene with 151 yards and a landing over the past two video games of 2022. Hopes for an actual breakthrough in 2023 have been hampered by harm, main us to see little or no of the sixth-round decide final season, with Okay.J. Osborn gone and T.J. Hockenson set to overlook at the very least the primary 4 video games of the season.
” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nailorheadl.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=720,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nailorheadl.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” alt=”” class=”wp-image-131735″/> Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The WR3 function was obtainable and set to be additional essential to start out the season. Nailor has secured that WR3 function with a powerful coaching camp and preseason. Now he must take that momentum into the common season.
Nick Muse
Aided by T.J. Hockenson lacking the beginning of the season, Nick Muse made the roster as TE3 beating out Robert Tonyan and N’Keal Harry. He could revert to the observe squad as soon as Hockenson lastly returns until he will get the chance to impress within the interim. The last decide of this draft within the seventh spherical Muse has been on the periphery thus far in his profession.
