Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus
The predicted pick at No. 12: Nakobe Dean, Linebacker, Georgia
The Vikings are entering a new era after Spielman and Zimmer were both fired following the 2021 season. The once-great defense has eroded in recent years and could use a real injection of youth and athleticism.
Dean ticks those boxes, as he could slot next to Eric Kendricks and form a formidable linebacker duo in a league that’s struggling for linebacker play. Kendricks would also smooth Dean’s transition, allowing the Vikings to limit what’s asked of him initially.
Click here for Monson’s full mock draft.
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus
The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU
Stingley this low in the mock draft might be a surprise, but I don’t think it’s that much of a stretch. He could certainly still be a top-10 pick — had he been eligible to declare after his true freshman season in 2019, he might have been a top-three pick — but he hasn’t quite replicated his stellar start to his career. The LSU product missed a handful of games due to injury, most notably only playing three games this past season.
The talent is absolutely still there, but I think a top-15 projection is more realistic than top-five. The Vikings are scheduled to be pretty desperate for cornerback help, with Patrick Peterson … and Mackensie Alexander all pending free agents. Minnesota would jump all over a player of his caliber.
Click here for Sikkema’s full mock draft.
Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News
The predicted pick at No. 12: Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah
The Vikings, for whoever their next head coach is, will need to address the second level with aging, oft-injured, Anthony Barr heading into free agency along with Nick Vigil. Lloyd is a strong, rangy athlete who stands out making plays. He has the smarts and instincts for their zone scheme.
Click here for Iyer’s full mock draft.
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports
The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU
Questions remain about the QB position and the depth at wide receiver, but if Stingley is on the board here the Vikings would be hard-pressed to pass him up. The team already parted ways with 2020 first-rounder Jeff Gladney, and Patrick Peterson was on a one-year deal.
Click here for Wilson’s full mock draft.
