EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings selected Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth, Jr., in the second round (with the 42nd overall pick) in the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday evening.
Minnesota began the night with the 34th overall pick but traded down with Green Bay to acquire the 53rd and 59th overall selections.
The Vikings then sent the 53rd, 77th and 192nd overall selections to the Indianapolis Colts to draft Booth at 42 and pick up the 122nd overall selection.
The selection of Booth continues an effort to add to Minnesota's defense. The Vikings took safety Lewis Cine with the 32nd pick, another selection in the deal, to conclude the first round.
Booth was among the draft's top cornerback prospects, as he was the No. 4 prospect at that position by multiple outlets.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic provided a breakdown of Booth:
"Honestly, if not for the injuries, Booth would be comfortably in the first round," Brugler said. "But he's another guy we haven't been able to see this draft process. He had a quad strain and double hernia surgery.
"Multiple issues here, and I think long-term he'll be fine. He has size, and when the ball is in the air, he's going to go get it," Brugler added. "He has some highlight-reel interceptions. He's a fluid athlete, can play press and off man. A lot to like — it's just about staying on the field."
The selection of Booth gives the Vikings depth and a potential long-term option at the cornerback spot.
Patrick Peterson is back in Purple, and the Vikings also added Chandon Sullivan and Nate Hairston during free agency. Besides Peterson, a handful of other cornerbacks will also be returning to the roster in 2022, including Tye Smith, who also re-signed after briefly becoming a free agent.
Cameron Dantzler could be in line to start in his third season, while the duo of Kris Boyd and Harrison Hand have mostly been contributors on special teams in recent seasons. The Vikings also have Parry Nickerson on their roster.
Booth, a junior who is listed at 6-foot and 194 pounds on his NFL.com bio page, played in 11 games in 2021.
He recorded 37 total tackles (26 solo) with three tackles for loss, three interceptions and five passes defended.
Booth's selection marks the first time the Vikings have drafted a defensive back in the second round since 2016, when Minnesota took Mackensie Alexander, who also played at Clemson.
