Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell kick-start a new era at the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday night.
This moment has been months in the making for a new regime hell-bent on turning things around for a franchise that has missed the postseason in back-to-back years.
So much can happen before the Vikings are finally on the clock at No. 12. Does a player like safety Kyle Hamilton slide into their awaiting hands? Could a trade-up scenario present itself for a pair of game-breakers in cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner or defensive end Travon Walker?
Or, will the perfect opportunity present itself for Adofo-Mensah to trade back on the board and acquire extra picks? There is so much to consider before NFL commissioner Roger Goodell steps to the podium and announces the first team on the clock.
Here is the full draft order for Round 1.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2. Detroit Lions
3. Houston Texans
4. New York Jets
5. New York Giants
6. Carolina Panthers
7. New York Giants
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Seattle Seahawks
10. New York Jets
11. Washington Commanders
12. Minnesota Vikings
13. Houston Texans
14. Baltimore Ravens
15. Philadelphia Eagles
16. New Orleans Saints
17. Los Angeles Chargers
18. Philadelphia Eagles
19. New Orleans Saints
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
21. New England Patriots
22. Green Bay Packers
23. Arizona Cardinals
24. Dallas Cowboys
25. Buffalo Bills
26. Tennessee Titans
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
28. Green Bay Packers
29. Kansas City Chiefs
30. Kansas City Chiefs
31. Cincinnati Bengals
32. Detroit Lions