CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco dropped his rankings for the “Top 100 NFL Players of 2022” on Wednesday with three Minnesota Vikings players making the list.
It’s no surprise considering the Vikings were one of the most talented teams that underachieved in 2021. Of course, there’s legitimate hope that things will be different now that they’ve moved into the Kevin O’Connell era of coaching,
A big part of that success will rest on the shoulders of two-time All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, who cracked the top-15 at No. 13 in Prisco’s rankings. The former LSU Tiger has been everything the Vikings hoped he’d be when they selected him at No. 22 overall in the 2020 NFL draft.
With only two seasons under his belt, he’s already broken Odell Beckham Jr.’s record for most receiving yards in the first two years in the NFL.
He also came within 17 yards of surpassing Randy Moss and setting a new franchise record for most single-season receiving yards last season—108 catches, 1,616 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Three-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook also landed on the list. He took the No. 41 spot, which makes him the third-highest running back on the list behind Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor. At only 26 years old, Cook is one of the most versatile tailbacks in the game and a key part of the Vikings’ offense.
And in case you were wondering, Prisco also shows a little love to Minnesota’s defense as well by ranking longtime safety Harrison Smith at No. 99. The hard-hitting defensive back picks up his lunchbox and goes to work every season regardless of what’s happening around him.
He’s a former First-Team All-Pro safety that earned his sixth Pro Bowl invite last season. Not bad for a 33-year-old, right?
The honorable mentions for the Vikings went to quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Danielle Hunter.
