The NFL Draft for Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is quite the enigma.

It’s no secret that the 2022 NFL Draft class didn’t work out the way they wanted it to, but it’s evident that the process for the Vikings has changed over the course of that time.

Lewis Cine was a miss in the first round, but Jordan Addison was certainly a hit. If things continue like we believe they will, so will both J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner. The first 11 weeks of mock draft data have been very interesting to look at, especially the last two weeks coming after the Vikings made a lot of moves in free agency.

Who are the best prospect fits for the Vikings? There are a lot who would fit well, but these are my personal favorites for when the Vikings pick in round one.

5. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Scouting Report

What is not to like about Grant? He’s 6′-3 and 340 lbs with a ton of athletic juice for his size. At Michigan, they asked him to do a little bit of everything from stopping the run to rushing the passer. His unique blend of size and athleticism will evoke feelings of Dexter Lawrence, but Grant arguably has more athleticism. His athletic ability is something that will appeal to NFL personnel and there seems to be more to unlock at the next level.

Can you imagine having a nose tackle with juice when rushing the passer in Brian Flores’ defense?

4. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Scouting Report

When you watch Emmanwori play football, you can tell he’s a weapon for a great defensive mind like Flores. Whether it be as a blitzer, in the box, or as a deep safety, Emmanwori can do it and do it well.

With how Flores likes to use three safety sets, having a true joker to play with along with the intelligence of a player like Josh Metellus would be a true difference-maker on defense.

3. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Scouting Report

Cornerback is a position of need for the Vikings. They don’t necessarily need depth, but they need to add upside at the position. Plus, they could use some size at the position.

If the Raiders were picking a little further back in the draft, Revel would likely end up with Pete Carroll, as he’s the ideal cornerback that he likes to target: long, tall, and athletic.

Revel represents everything that the Vikings don’t have and could use for the future of the cornerback room.

2. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Scouting Report

Starks is a fascinating prospect on multiple levels. He’s arguably the best safety in the NFL Draft and was the best one in the entire country. He shouldn’t be available for the Vikings at 24, but he certainly could due to the NFL not valuing safety in the first round.

Flores would love to have Starks, as he is a slightly less athletic, but more refined player than Emmanwori. His ball skills, tackling ability, and versatility would be a huge asset to the Vikings now and long-term.

1. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Scouting Report

This is the one realistic prospect who could be available for the Vikings in the first round that I would pound the table for. Ideally, the NFL would blow it and let Shemar Stewart slide down the board, but he will likely go in the top-10. That’s why the focus is all on Campbell.

The NFL doesn’t value off ball linebackers enough, but Campbell is a different breed. He isn’t quite player that Fred Warner is, but they do share a playstyle. Campbell can run the pole in Tampa-2, defend the run while shedding blocks, and cover both tight ends and receivers out of the backfield. He’s a true three-down linebacker.

The Vikings don’t need a linebacker, but he would be an upgrade over Ivan Pace Jr. due to his ability to do everything at a high level. This would be a situation where they would take a player because he’s that good rather than a position of need.