2022 Draft Thread - Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) Discussion

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (118, VIA CLE): CB AKAYLEB EVANS, MISSOURI
Pick Grade: Below Average

Evans, a former Missouri defender, will join Clemson’s Andrew Booth Jr. in the secondary. In 2021, Evans’ first season as a Tiger but fifth in college, he earned a 74.6 defensive grade. He recorded four pass breakups and an interception, but he also allowed five touchdowns and 10.8 yards per reception.

33% of PFF Users like this pick!
PFF Users picked: QB – Sam Howell

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (165): ED ESEZI OTOMEWO, MINNESOTA
Pick Grade: Below Average

Otomewo is a bit of a tweener at 6-foot-5, 282 pounds but does bring solid length to the table with his 34.5-inch arms. He earned a career-high 79.4 PFF grade in 2021 due in large part to his 84.3 PFF run-defense grade. He’s never been a high-end pass-rusher and likely won’t be in the NFL, either.

33% of PFF Users like this pick!
PFF Users picked: ED – Kingsley Enagbare

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (169): HB TY CHANDLER, NORTH CAROLINA
Pick Grade: Good

Chandler spent his first four seasons at Tennessee in a timeshare role every single year. Despite seeing the bulk of the carries his last few years there, Chandler grad-transferred to North Carolina this past fall to see an expanded role. He set career highs in every category imaginable for the Tar Heels. Known for his speed, Chandler more than doubled his previous career-high for explosive runs.

52% of PFF Users like this pick!
PFF Users picked: C – Dohnovan West

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (184): T VEDERIAN LOWE, ILLINOIS
Pick Grade: Good

The rare five-year starter, Lowe has the experience and intellect to come in and compete for a backup job immediately in Minnesota. While his dearth of lateral quickness or strength will lower his overall ceiling, Lowe projects as a valuable depth piece for the Vikings.

53% of PFF Users like this pick!
PFF Users picked: QB – Carson Strong

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (191): WR JALEN NAILOR, MICHIGAN STATE
Pick Grade: Good

While injuries hampered Nailor’s career at Michigan State, the flashes he showed were intriguing enough for the Vikings to take a swing. Standing at 5-foot-11 with a 38-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-8 broad jump, Nailor is a field stretcher who could provide a nice balance for a Minnesota receiving corps lacking in depth.

66% of PFF Users like this pick!

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (VIA CAR) (227): TE NICK MUSE, SOUTH CAROLINA
Pick Grade: Good

A more ideal blocking tight end with receiving upside, Muse feels like a depth piece for the Vikes.

32% of PFF Users like this pick!

Pick 118: Missouri, CB, Akayleb Evans

What the stats say: Allowed a 53.2% completion percentage on throws into his coverage and graded 72.1 (out of 100) in coverage grade. Allowed 97.0 QB rating on throws into his coverage with five touchdowns, one interception.

What the analysts said: NFL.com projected Evans as a sixth-round pick, projecting him to succeed more in a zone system. Lance Zierlein wrote: “Evans should profile as a height, weight, speed prospect for teams employing multiple zone coverages. He lacks the footwork and short-area agility to maintain man coverage against NFL receivers.”

What they said: “We see him more as an outside corner. That's where he played at Tulsa, that's where he played at Missouri. Any time you have a guy with some size and length it does create some opportunities in matchup settings. Maybe covering some tight ends, doing some specialized stuff, but I think primarily he's an outside guy, and then as we get him comfortable we'll see if he can handle some different roles for us.” — Vikings national scout Chisom Opara.

“When I was at Tulsa, we played a lot of man, and then going to Missouri, it was a lot of zone, Cover 3, so I’ve had to play both. That’s another thing about my game that I really feel that strong on, being versatile and being able to do both. That’s always been my mindset, because you never know where you’re going to end up, so you just want to be able to be a good option for any team. So I feel like I’m strong in both.” — Akayleb Evans.

Takeaway: According to most draft boards, this was a reach. However, it’s hard to argue with middle-round project cornerbacks considering the Vikings’ weak depth at the position. In his post-draft press conference, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said he personally watched film of Evans and wanted him because of his size, movement skills and potential. This was a respectable “go get your guy move” because the Vikings did it at a high-value position.

Pick 165: Minnesota, DE, Esezi Otomewo

What the stats say: 6-foot-5, 282 pounds, Otomewo had a strong 84.3 run defense grade from PFF last season and set his career high with 31 QB pressures in 307 pass rush snaps.

What the analysts said: NFL.com graded Otomewo as a sixth-round prospect. Lance Zierlein wrote: “Otomewo's lack of range and his two-gapping potential make him best suited for a 4i or 5-technique in a 3-4 front. He is a diligent, team-oriented defender with a focus on executing assignments but could leave a team hungry for more playmaking capability.”

What they said: “He’s long, and right now he’s got some versatility that our coaches like. They’ll be able to talk to you a little bit more about that, but the things that we see are his quickness and the ability for him to maybe play that defensive end and then on pass-rushing downs maybe move inside. So versatility is a huge asset for him, especially coming into this system.” — assistant director of college scouting Pat Roberts

“I played from 5-tech all the way down to 3-[tech] and then 2-wide. I’d say my coaches at Minnesota put me in a really good position by playing a lot of different positions at Minnesota. Goinig from bear front to odd front to even front to a 4-3 look or 3-4 look. We did a lot of sub packages where I was lined up everywhere. Doing that for the Vikings would be amazing too. Wherever they need me is where I’ll be at. I’m excited to learn and contribute.” — Esezi Otomewo

Takeaway: Otomewo is 23 but still considered a project. He his the size of a traditional 3-4 defensive end but may have potential to rush the passer on the interior with some development. He goes into a group of inexperienced players on the D-line that will be jockeying for position in training camp.

Pick 169: North Carolina, RB, Ty Chandler

What the stats say: Ran for 1,097 yards in 2021, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Ran a 4.38 40-yard dash

What the analysts said: PFF’s draft profile wrote: “Chandler spent his first four seasons at Tennessee in a time-share role every single year. Despite seeing the bulk of the carries his last few years there, Chandler grad transferred to North Carolina this past fall to see an expanded role. He set career highs in every category imaginable for the Tarheels. Known for his speed, Chandler more than doubled his previous career-high for explosive runs.”

What they said: “I’ve known some people at North Carolina for a long time – when I went in there, they said that this kid, he made the transition easier than any transfer they’ve ever had there. He came in, he was a leader, he’s smart, he learned the system, so I think he showed through the process that he had made growth through that year. He’s a very mature kid, and we’re very excited to get him.” — assistant director of college scouting Pat Roberts

Takeaway: With Dalvin Cook reaching running back age danger levels and Alex Mattison on the final year of his contract, adding another running back made sense — especially one who is blazing fast. In the Zimmer era we rarely saw depth running backs see the field but O’Connell might feel differently about rotating, opening the door for Chandler.

Pick 184: Illinois, T, Vederian Lowe

What the stats say: Allowed only 22 QB pressures over the last two seasons (20 games).

What the analysts said: Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn: “Lowe has excellent arm length that he uses to establish first meaningful contact on defenders as a run- and pass-blocker. He excels in pass protection using a stiff, firm punch to deliver jolt on contact, and his strong latch in the run game enables him to control, steer and open up alleys on frontside kick-out/angle-drive blocks.”

What they said: “He’s 6-4 and change, but he’s got guard size. He also has tackle length, so he’s one of those rare guys that has features that kind of lend itself to both positions.” — Vikings national scout Chisom Opara

“If they need me on the left side or the right side, I’m willing to do whatever to be a key contributor to the offensive line and to the team. I personally think that the transition from college to the pros, and to the Minnesota O-line room, won’t be too difficult because I know every day I’m going to give it everything I’ve got and make sure I’m coachable.” — Vederian Lowe

Takeaway: The fact that Lowe has guard potential gives him a chance at being the guy who goes from a long shot to seeing the field, especially with his work ethic and high character. But his most likely outcome is developing into a reliable swing tackle, something that the Vikings have oft-proven to be valuable in the NFL.

Pick 191: Michigan State, WR, Jalen Nailor

What the stats say: Caught 38 passes for 692 yards (18.2 yards per catch) and six touchdowns last season.

What the analysts said: NFL.com graded Nailor as a sixth-round pick. Lance Zierlein wrote: “Nailor is sudden but smooth with his route release and his gliding gait tends to mask his acceleration, allowing him to climb quickly past the coverage. While he can work deep, he has the agility and body control to become a more effective route specialist on all three levels. Nailor is a competitor but has some trouble winning battles against stronger, physical corners.”

What they said: “One of the best things he does is, after the catch, we’re always looking for guys that can finish and score. So that’s one of those things. I know [receivers coach Keenan McCardell] was in there pounding the table for him. The best thing he does is you get him the ball, on the run, and he runs away from people. So he can create separation with his speed and then pull away at the second level, and I just think a well-rounded athlete altogether, a strong and competitive blocker.” — Vikings director of college scouting Mike Sholiton

Takeaway: It’s surprising that the Vikings waited this long to address wide receiver. When they did they picked someone who has produced big plays. He will have a chance to earn a job at the back end of the receiver depth chart behind Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, KJ Osborn and Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

Pick 227: South Carolina, TE, Nick Muse

What the stats say: 30 catches, 425 yards, one touchdown

What the analysts said: NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote: “Athletic tight end with good size and the ability to be flexed around formations. Muse is a willing run blocker at the point of attack and has the body control and agility to handle move-blocking duties with some success. He's average at uncovering within the route but lacks the length and hand talent to consistently win contested catch battles.”

What they said: “He taught me a lot about keeping it as professional as possible. When you get there, everything is done in professional mode. I’m going to be beside … This ain’t college no more. I’m not some kid. I’m going to be beside people who have 8-, 10-year-old kids. I’m going to be beside people who have been married for 20 years. I got to be focused and take it the right way because those guys aren’t playing around. If you mess up a couple times, you could be going home. This is my job. This is my livelihood.” — Nick Muse on his brother, Seattle Seahawk safety Tanner Muse

Takeaway: The Vikings have had some success in developing tight ends from the latter parts of the draft who end up playing roles. They will look for Muse to follow the Rhett Ellison, MyCole Pruitt, David Morgan, Tyler Conklin legacy.