The Minnesota Vikings have faced setbacks with their 2022 draft class, particularly with cornerback Andrew Booth Jr., who was selected in the second round. Booth struggled with injuries, which led to the Vikings trading him to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for cornerback Nahshon Wright. However, Wright’s tenure with the team was disappointing, as he played only 15 special teams snaps without participating in any defensive plays. As a result, the Vikings decided to release Wright on April 7, 2025, cutting their losses from the trade.
The Vikings’ 2022 draft class has not met expectations, with several key players failing to make an impact. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who took over after the firing of Rick Spielman and Mike Zimmer, inherited a scouting department that has not produced significant results. The team had a challenging draft, including the selection of Booth, but several other picks, like safety Lewis Cine, have also not panned out, while others like Ed Ingram and Brian Asamoah now face competition to retain their roster spots.
Despite the struggles in 2022, Adofo-Mensah’s management has seen improvement with subsequent drafts. The Vikings have found success with players like wide receiver Jordan Addison and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon. Additionally, undrafted rookies such as Ivan Pace Jr. and Dwight McGlothern have shown promise, signaling a shift toward better talent acquisition.
The Vikings have also made significant moves to stabilize their cornerback position, signing Byron Murphy Jr. to a long-term deal and adding Isaiah Rodgers, who is considered a potential breakout candidate. These acquisitions aim to bring stability to a position that has seen constant turnover since the departures of former stars Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes.
With these changes, the Vikings are looking to build a more consistent defense. Blackmon is expected to be a starting corner, and the new signings may provide the team with a reliable group for the upcoming season. Adofo-Mensah’s future success will depend on continuing to improve the draft and free agency processes to strengthen the roster further.
