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2022 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock

By Braulio Perez

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 20: Brandon Smith #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium on November 20, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – NOVEMBER 20: Brandon Smith #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium on November 20, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft – Second Round

Brandon Smith . LB. Penn State. 46. player. 60. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

For the second round, the Vikings own the No. 46 overall pick. With the defense figuring to be a focus for the early rounds, Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith would make plenty of sense for this team.

Smith has become quite a popular target of late, as he’s coming off a strong year for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions. In 2021, the 6-foot-3, 240-pounder finished with 81 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.

What scouts love about Smith is his great speed. Despite weighing 240 pounds, Smith is able to fly all over the field and bring down players in space. That would be a welcome addition for Minnesota in the middle.

With Anthony Barr potentially leaving the Vikings in free agency, Smith would have an opportunity to go to Minnesota and make an immediate impact. Losing Barr would sting quite a bit, as fans love him, but Smith would surely be ready for the Vikes if his number is called. We’ll see how things play out here.

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