What is the best worst-case scenario at #12?

This seems to lack a fully developed sense of creativity for how bad "worst case" could really be.

For example: a QB run and teams prioritizing OT bushes both Derek Stingley and Kyle Hamilton down to #12. Awesome, the analytics team has prepared for this and has a dynamic tool that used Big Data [+1 buzzword] distills their traits into a simple wins added metric.  It runs in under 7 minues, leaving 3 minutes to turn in the pick.  But the data grooming SaSS component was improperly configured and the machine says to draft "Derek Hamiltion". As the team does a quick ad-hoc review, time expires and the Texans run Kyle Hamilton in and 15 seconds later the Ravens snag Stingley.  Panicking, Kwesi shouts quick just turn in "Mr. Minnesota" forgetting that he only wrote that down on his own notes next to his perfect value-based [+2 buzzwords] match.  An over eager assistant, Steve Donnatell (who thinks he knows what is going on because "my dad is a coach here but I'll show them it's not nepotism by saving the day"), mistakes what Kwesi means for a joke from a prior meeting about a guy being "as big as all of Minnesota" and runs the pick over to the machine before anything else bad can happen.   

Vikings fans try to remember that this is how we got Kevin Williams as Roger Goodell walks to the podium and announces "With the 14th pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings select: Daniel Faalele, tackle Minnesota"

All 4 Edge Rushers are gone (Hutchinson/Thibideaux/Walker/Johnson), all 3 OTs that maybe could move to OG are gone (Ekwonu/Neal/Cross), both CBs are gone (Gardner/Stingley), Hamilton is gone and Wilson is gone.

But that still leaves Jameson Williams. I would see if there's a good enough trade offer, but it sounds like Teams recognize that this is a shallow Blue Chip pool but a pretty deep Quality Player pool and most want to move back and get more picks instead of moving up for one non-Blue Chip kid.

Unless a QB goes before #12 it's likely to be one of Wilson/Williams or Minnesota just doesn't see the value in a WR and goes with McDuffie, which I will hate.

That's my Worst Case Scenario. McDuffie and his shortness and baby T-Rex arms. I will root like heck for him to hold up well on the Outside when Dantzler misses his annual 3+ games or when Peterson's hammy's get pulled again. I truly hope he turns into another Winfield.

But I ignored the measurables with Treadwell and Bradbury and was dead wrong. So I won't be holding my breath that McDuffie turns into anything more than a good Nickel CB.

Best Case Scenario is 2 QBs go early or someone pulls a Raiders and takes a 2nd Round kid before Minnesota. If Hamilton is there I pounce. Next preferences are Stingley, Johnson and Wilson. In that order.

Another Worst Case Scenario for me is trading up. There's no depth at CB, S, ILB, or Edge and Minnesota already doesn't have a 4th. It would really piss me off if Kwesi moves up and uses 2023 picks to do it also.

In the end I'm resigning myself to it being McDuffie and hoping they nail the Day 2 picks.

Thanks for this reply....it was exactly what I was looking for.  If things align the wrong way, I'll feel like we either take a player we don't really need, or is a poor value at #12.

If I really thought we had a realistic chance at moving up for Gardner, I'd consider doing it....but I wouldn't give up next year's 1st in that deal.  Moving up to take Stingley or Hamilton is much more doable...we might be able to move up to #8 or #9 for #12 and our 3rd rounder (maybe have to throw in a 2022 6th or 7th, or 2023 5th or 6th to get that #8).

worst case is Cross, Karlaftis, McDuffie, London, Lloyd, being on the board and no one wants to trade up.

I feel like we'll be in pretty good shape if that third tackle goes and/or a QB.

Best case would be three tackles, two QBs and at least two WR. Then we'd likely have one of Stingley or Hamilton, one of Wilson, Williams, or London, and one of Johnson or Thibodeaux to choose from.

Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Atlanta, Seattle and possibly even Washington and the Giants are QB needy. Regardless of how poorly thought of this QB class is, I'll never underestimate the idea that someone thinks they could get the next pat mahomes until that walk to the podium shows they passed. There are just so many mistakes made at QB drafting due to the tremendous potential value you get if you hit on the right guy.

All of the top QB's available are development types and in my opinion, most QB's are. And most of the teams needing a QB aren't looking for a day 1 starter. There are far fewer QB needy teams in the 12-32 range. Houston with it's second pick. NO, Pitt, Detroit with a 2nd pick. I would even include TB but they'll likely go with a day 1 starter. But they could surprise.

My point is that I think some teams could surprise both ahead of the Vikes and those behind and their willingness to trade up.

Russell Wilsons and even Kirk Cousins of the world don't drop anymore. Even the next Carr or Garoppolo. Will those types drop to round 2? Even though there are no clear cut top 10 guys at QB, will teams wait and take the chance? And mobility is the key in my opinion. Teams like mobile QBs and the top four guys are at least decently if not very mobile. The typical pocket passers will fall because none from this draft are special.

It's risky to make predictions about a weak QB class, but there are going to be teams that fall in love. And hopefully the vikings can use that as an advantage.

You win today's creative writing contest! 

Worst case scenario imo is the top 3 DBs being taken, no big time prospect slipping, and no trade partners. Regardless I like Kwesi so much more than the last GM that I’ll probably talk myself into any decision even if I would disagree with it today!