EAGAN, Minn. — The countdown is on toward the 2022 NFL Draft.

We're just over two weeks away from the mega offseason event, which is slated to be held from April 28-30. The first round will be on April 28, followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on April 29 and the final four rounds on April 30.

The Vikings currently have eight overall picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, beginning with the 12th overall pick, a spot Minnesota has drafted from twice in team history, selecting quarterback Christian Ponder in 2011 and running back (and Vikings Ring of Honor member) Chuck Foreman back in 1973.

Here is the seventh (and penultimate) version of our Vikings 2022 Mock Draft Tracker, which includes a whopping 25 recent predictions from across the football world.

Every single one of them projects a defensive player to Minnesota, including 20 predictions of a first-round cornerback.

Here's a look at our seventh Vikings 2022 Mock Draft Tracker:

ESPN's Jordan Reid (three rounds)

April 11, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU

The Vikings still need a corner, even after bringing back Patrick Peterson. Plus, there are already a lot of LSU connections on the roster. Along with Peterson, the Vikings recently hired Daronte Jones, the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Tigers a season ago.

Ability isn't the question with Stingley — it's availability. He has missed 13 games over the past two seasons after a standout freshman season in 2019. Minnesota could bet on the traits to overcome the durability concerns and select Stingley here, which is where I see the floor of his draft range.

The predicted pick at No. 46: Jalen Pitre, Safety, Baylor

Pitre is a do-it-all chess piece in the secondary. Stingley … and Pitre could help replenish this defense. Pitre is a playmaker with great size and speed.

The predicted pick at No. 77: Josh Paschal, Edge Rusher, Kentucky

Paschal's versatility as a base end in a 3-4 defense makes him an ideal prospect in Minnesota's new scheme. His lower-half strength, hand maturity and penetrating ability could make him an early contributor in Ed Donatell's defense.

Click here for Reid's full mock draft.

ESPN's Todd McShay (two rounds)

April 5, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU

Stingley is a tough evaluation. If Minnesota gets the 2019 version of his game, this is a steal at No. 12. But the injury-plagued uneven play we've seen over the past two years makes this pick risky. The Vikings still have a need at cornerback despite signing Patrick Peterson (who will turn 32 this summer), and there is no denying what Stingley is capable of doing on the field if he puts it all together. Stingley can wear a lot of different hats on defense, shows great instincts and has the ball skills and speed to lock down receivers. And the Vikings can let Peterson — a fellow LSU alum — help Stingley adjust to the pro game.

The interior of the defensive line is also a concern, and Georgia's Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt deserve some lengthy thought. But ultimately, I just think it's too early to go that route.

The predicted pick at No. 46: Perrion Winfrey, Defensive Tackle, Oklahoma

I mentioned that the interior defensive line was something to consider when I gave Minnesota a cornerback in Round 1, but Winfrey would be an excellent pick at this point in Round 2 to satisfy that hole. The Vikings allowed 4.7 yards per carry last season, tied for third worst in the NFL. And Winfrey has the first-step quickness and active hands to shoot gaps and blow up plays in the backfield.

Click here for McShay's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Chad Reuter (four rounds)

April 8, 2022

PROJECTED TRADE: The Vikings trade back to No. 20 with the Steelers, adding a 2023 first-round pick and exchanging Day 3 selections.

The predicted pick at No. 20: Devin Lloyd, Linebacker, Utah

If the Vikings stayed at No. 12, they'd probably still take Lloyd because he fits a strong need inside as they transition to a 3-4 system. He can do a bit of everything, even though he doesn't test off the charts athletically.

The predicted pick at No. 46: Kyler Gordon, Cornerback, Washington

The predicted pick at No. 77: Nick Cross, Safety, Maryland

(The Vikings do not currently have a fourth-round pick).

Click here for Reuter's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Peter Schrager

April 7, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU

Stingley recently received a clean bill of health, and that's huge. Before the injury, he was widely viewed as a sure-thing top-10 pick. Having dominated at LSU his freshman season, he had the luxury of squaring off against Justin Jefferson (a future teammate?) and Ja'Marr Chase in practice, where he more than held his own. Who better to groom him than former LSU star and possible Pro Football Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson?

Click here for Schrager's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Charles Davis

April 5, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

Savvy, smart, fluid — McDuffie has impressed many an evaluator. The Vikings start with a fresh talent at the cornerback position under new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and first-time Head Coach Kevin O'Connell.

Click here for Davis' full mock draft.

NFL.com's Cynthia Frelund

March 31, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

I had Stingley here in Mock 1.0. With him off the board, the Vikings grab another CB. Stingley and McDuffie aren't interchangeable — especially with their different body types/skill sets — but the discrepancy in win-share value between the two is very minimal.

Click here for Frelund's full mock draft.

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks

March 29, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Andrew Booth, Cornerback, Clemson

The high-IQ technician is a scheme-friendly cover corner with the talent and tools to play at an all-star level from Day 1.

Click here for Brooks' full mock draft.

Arif Hasan of The Athletic (three rounds)

April 5, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

The consensus third cornerback in the draft, McDuffie is a scheme-versatile corner who hasn't received as much press as Derek Stingley or [Ahmad] "Sauce" Gardner but has played just as well. He earned a nearly identical PFF grade to Gardner for the 2021 season against a tougher slate of players in the regular season. The issue for McDuffie is his traits, not his production; there are slight concerns about his size and arm length. But he did a good job of contesting catches in a variety of roles, was rarely out of position and demonstrated awareness and physicality in every matchup.

The predicted pick at No. 46: Roger McCreary, Cornerback, Auburn

The predicted pick at No. 77: Ed Ingram, Guard, LSU

Click here for Hasan's full mock draft.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic

April 4, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge Rusher, Florida State

If Stingley is still available, I think Minnesota takes him. But with him gone, I'm not sure the Vikings would jump for either Trent McDuffie or Kyler Gordon, two excellent corners out of Washington. Johnson feels like a nice fit here. The former Georgia Bulldog [and Eden Prairie Eagle] missed out on being on a national title team in 2021, but his move to FSU worked out for him; he won ACC Defensive Player of the Year after posting 70 tackles, 18 TFLs and 12 sacks. At 6-foot-5, 254 pounds, Johnson clocked a 4.58 [in the 40-yard dash] in Indianapolis and broad-jumped 10-5. Excellent numbers for an edge guy who displayed a lot of production.

Click here for Feldman's full mock draft.

Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus (two rounds)

April 11,2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

A season ago, the Vikings outside cornerbacks gave up the third-most yards league-wide (1,802) while tying for the third-fewest plays on the ball (18). And so far, they've made no moves to address that area of need. Enter Trent McDuffie, who earned an 80.0-plus PFF grade as a true freshman, sophomore and junior at Washington.

The 5-foot-11, 193-pound corner allowed just 111 yards across 296 coverage snaps in 2021. He is a fantastic zone cover corner, and his awareness, athleticism, physicality and tackling ability will make him an issue for any underneath passing offense.

The predicted pick at No. 46: Jamaree Salyer, Offensive Line, Georgia

Salyer has experience playing all five spots along the offensive line and showcased quality pass protection, regardless of position, as he allowed just 14 pressures across 794 career pass-block snaps.

The 6-foot-3, 321-pound Georgia product packs power in his punch and brings a physical presence in the run game. Still, he will likely be limited to the interior due to athletic limitations.

Click here for Treash's full mock draft.

Seth Galina of Pro Football Focus (three rounds)

April 11, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Devonte Wyatt, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

The Vikings are in a nice situation to take the best player available at No. 12 overall. Outside of receiver, they could target any position group. Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum was an option here, but we went with Georgia interior defender Devonte Wyatt. The team signed Harrison Phillips in free agency but could still use a player like Wyatt who can play both three-technique and nose tackle. Minnesota would love it if one of the Tier 1 prospects fell to them, but taking another player to shore up the middle of their defense would go a long way no matter what.

The predicted pick at No. 46: Nik Bonitto, Edge Rusher, Oklahoma

Edge defender Danielle Hunter's future in Minnesota remains murky, and even though the team signed Za'Darius Smith in free agency, they have an out after one year. Bonitto is a speed rusher who loves to try to capture the edge against offensive tackles and use his very good "dip and rip" to get after the quarterback. He's not going to win with power too much against the run, but he can knife inside at times to disrupt plays in the backfield.

The predicted pick at No. 77: Zyon McCollum, Cornerback, Sam Houston State

The Vikings would love it if a cornerback fell to them early, but it doesn't seem like Derek Stingley, Jr., or Ahmad Gardner will make it to Pick No. 12. And at Pick No. 46, they are in a no-man's land at that position, with quite a few nice players probably being picked in the Nos. 25-35 range.

Eventually, the Vikings are going to find a cornerback. So here, they go with Sam Houston State's Zyon McCollum. McCollum ticks all the athletic boxes. His 40-yard dash, broad jump, 20-yard shuttle and three-cone each came in above the 94th percentile at the position.

Click here for Galina's full mock draft.

Ben Linsey of Pro Football Focus

April 6, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Jermaine Johnson II, Edge Rusher, Florida State

Minnesota already has one of the better starting edge tandems on paper — Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith — entering the 2022 NFL season. Nevertheless, there are concerns about both of those players remaining on the field moving forward.

Click here for Linsey's full mock draft.

Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News (three rounds)

April 12, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Andrew Booth, Cornerback, Clemson

The Vikings brought back fading Patrick Peterson because of hurting depth but they still need to address corner to get the ideal complement to well-rounded Cameron Dantzler. Booth is aggressive in coverage and should maintain the big playmaking in the NFL.

The predicted pick at No. 46: Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver, Western Michigan

The Vikings need to add some more speed and slot versatility to complement Justin Jefferson and aging Adam Thielen for Kirk Cousins. This will help new coach Kevin O'Connell take the passing game to higher big-play level.

The predicted pick at No. 77: Jeremy Ruckert, Tight End, Ohio State

The Vikings lost Tyler Conklin in free agency and with Ruckert, they can get some of receiving pop back to better complement returning Irv Smith, Jr., in 12 personnel.

Click here for Iyer's full mock draft.

Kevin Hanson of The MMQB

April 7, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU

Patrick Peterson is returning to play his age-32 season in Minnesota, which could give the former LSU Tiger an opportunity to mentor the 20-year-old Stingley, assuming Minnesota is comfortable with his medical evaluations. Stingley gave us a glimpse of his upside from his elite true-freshman season in 2019. He has the speed, athleticism and fluidity to thrive on an island in addition to outstanding ball skills (six INTs in '19).

Click here for Hanson's full mock draft.

Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports (three rounds)

April 11, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU

Stingley didn't workout at the combine but lit it up at his pro day last week. He only played three games in '21, but it's hard to forget just how dominant he was in '19 as a freshman, where he spent practices going up against Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Terrace Marshall and Racey McMath. If he was eligible two years ago, he would've been a top-5 pick. He remains a ball hawk, not to mention an asset in the return game, and he'll only last this long because [he] hasn't played a lot of football in the last 12 months. The team just re-upped Patrick Peterson, but it was only on a one-year deal.

The predicted pick at No. 46: Cole Strange, Guard, Tennessee-Chattanooga

The predicted pick at No. 77: David Bell, Wide Receiver, Purdue

Click here for Wilson's full mock draft.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports

April 11, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU

The Vikings draft Stingley and allow Patrick Peterson to mentor him in 2022. Ideal.

Click here for Trapasso's full mock draft.

Josh Edwards of CBS Sports

April 7, 2022

PROJECTED TRADE: The Vikings trade back to No. 20 with the Steelers, adding a 2023 second-round pick in the deal.

The predicted pick at No. 20: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

Minnesota is able to slide back, pick up a 2023 second-round pick and still get a prospect at a position of need. McDuffie is smaller than the ideal boundary cornerback but is a student of the game and a tenacious competitor. He can learn a lot from Patrick Peterson this season and hopefully lock down a spot for many years to come. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah comes from Cleveland where the Browns took Greg Newsome II in the first round despite having Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams and Troy Hill on the roster. They value cornerbacks, and it is reasonable to suggest Adofo-Mensah may as well.

Click here for Edwards' full mock draft.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports

April 6, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU

They brought back Patrick Peterson on a one-year deal, so why not add a player from his college? Peterson can help develop Stingley, who would be higher in this mock if he were healthy for most of his career.

Click here for Prisco's full mock draft.

Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports

April 3, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

This is a dream scenario for Minnesota, which gets its lockdown corner. Plus, he'll get to learn from one of the most respected cornerbacks in the game in recently resigned Patrick Peterson.

Click here for Stackpole's full mock draft.

Luke Easterling of DraftWire

April 7, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

[Safety Kyle] Hamilton would have been the pick, but the Vikings get jumped by the Texans [at No. 11 after a trade], leaving them to address a different need in the secondary. Patrick Peterson is back for the 2022 season, but Minnesota still needs a long-term solution opposite Cam Dantzler. McDuffie is the most polished and pro-ready prospect in this year's loaded corner group.

Click here for Easterling's full mock draft.

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire

April 4, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Derek Stingley, Jr., Cornerback, LSU

Click here for Farrar's full mock draft.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network

April 4, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

This is a dream scenario for Minnesota, who even with the return of Patrick Peterson need cornerback help. Sauce Gardner offers coverage versatility, length, speed, ball skills, and a competitive demeanor that profiles him as a lockdown guy at the next level. This should be an easy decision for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah if things play out like this.

Click here for Marino's full mock draft.

Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network

April 6, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Trent McDuffie, Cornerback, Washington

McDuffie is truly in the highest tier athletically. His elite explosiveness is visible in multiple phases. He has searing quickness charging the backfield, and he also has the vertical burst to rise up for high passes. His explosiveness translates to spry, sudden feet at the line of scrimmage.

Furthermore, McDuffie is a quick-twitch athlete with a ton of potential energy stored in his frame. He owns the lateral suddenness to slip past blocks, and his twitch and explosion allow him to recover ground against double moves swiftly. He also has unreal range when pursuing plays.

Click here for Wilson's full mock draft.

Adam Beasley of Pro Football Network

April 4, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Jordan Davis, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

The Vikings have a deep, potent front seven after adding Jordan Davis to a group that already includes Za'Darius Smith, Danielle Hunter, Dalvin Tomlinson and Jordan Hicks.

Click here for Beasley's full mock draft.

Oliver Hodgkinson of Pro Football Network (four rounds)

April 2, 2022

The predicted pick at No. 12: Ahmad Gardner, Cornerback, Cincinnati

Since 2015, the Minnesota Vikings have selected three first-round cornerbacks. None of them are currently on their roster. Past failures may cause Vikings fans to balk at adding another first-round defensive back. Still, with Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander out of contract and a distinct lack of depth and talent, the position currently sits as the main area of need.

The selection of Ahmad Gardner in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft gives the Vikings a ball-hawking playmaker who adds a physical and explosive presence against the run and as a blitzer. If you haven't heard that "Sauce" didn't allow a single touchdown in his entire college career, then you must have been living under a rock with no cell signal throughout this process so far.

The predicted pick at No. 44: Jaquan Brisker, Safety, Penn State

The predicted pick at No. 77: Carson Strong, Quarterback, Nevada

(The Vikings do not currently have a fourth-round pick).

Click here for Hodgkinson's full mock draft.