Minnesota Vikings Cut Another 2022 Defensive Back

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Akayleb Evans, Minnesota Vikings stiff-armed by Packers tight end
Credit: Mark Hoffman-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings will try to move to 9-2 on the 2024 season tomorrow, in Chicago vs the NFC North rival Bears. Nothing comes easy in the Windy City, but as long as the Vikings don’t beat themselves, they should win. Because they are the better team.

Bears GM Ryan Poles and Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were both hired in January, 2022. Now 2.5 years later, the two front office heads are in much different spots. Minnesota is on the verge of finishing with two winning seasons, and likely to receive a contract extension, this spring.

Difficult year for Minnesota Vikings 2022 Draft Picks

Meanwhile, the Bears are in danger of three-straight losing seasons, under Poles, and just fired the first head coach he hired. But the Vikings’ success under Adofo-Mensah is no thanks his first (2022) NFL Draft, which is now infamously known as one of the worst in franchise history… and 2024 has proven that.

Defense lifts up Akayleb Evans - Minnesota Vikings vs San Francisco 49ers
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

1st round safety, (No. 32) Lewis Cine, didn’t make the team out of training camp. 2nd round cornerback (No. 43) Andrew Booth Jr was traded around that same time, and 2nd round guard (No. 59) Ed Ingram was just benched last week, in favor of Dalton Risner.

But the difficult year for 2022 Minnesota Vikings draft picks continued on Saturday, when 4th round (No. 118) CB Akayleb Evans was placed on outright waivers, likely ending his time in purple.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Tight End Officially Ruled Out vs Bears

This is a move that wasn’t all that hard to see coming. Evans likely isn’t happy playing a mop-up role on defense, while getting most of his snaps on special teams. Not after 2023, when he took the field as a starting cornerback for 15 of the 15 games he was available to play.

Minnesota cut Akayleb Evans… because he isn’t very good

In 2024, Evans hasn’t seen one defensive start, in the seven games he has seen the field. But there is a reason why the Minnesota Vikings made improving their secondary a top priority this offseason, signing veterans Shaq Griffin and Stephon Gilmore, to fix the leak that was Akayleb Evans.

Don’t feel bad for Evans, because the defense is where it is this season, in large part because the Minnesota Vikings did what they had to do, and found better CB options. Remember, last year’s defense was horrible, giving up the 9th most passing yards (234.5 YPG) on a league high 25.1 receptions per game.

Not everyone buys into PFF grades, but Akayleb Evans’ were brutal last season, where he posted a 54.9 defensive grade and a 52.6 coverage grade. His tackle grade was a putrid 29.6. The now 25-year-old former Missouri Tiger gave up 48 receptions on 69 targets, good for a 69.6 QB completion percentage, when throwing his way (according to PFF). He also tallied just 1 interception and 3 passes defended (in 15 starts).

Vikings 2022 draft continues to look like a disaster

Here is the list of Minnesota Vikings 2022 draft picks, and where they are now. Only five of the 10 picks that April are still on the Vikings’ 2024 roster. Only one player from the 2022 draft is currently a starter in the league. That’s 6th round offensive tackle Vederian Lowe, who now plays for the New England Patriots.

Related: Mike Florio is Bored with the 2024 Minnesota Vikings

  • 1st round (No. 32) – Lewis Cine (S): Jets Practice Squad
  • 2nd round (No. 43) – Andrew Booth Jr (CB): Cowboys practice squad
  • 2nd round (No. 59) – Ed Ingram (G): Vikings backup (recently benched for Dalton Risner)
  • 3rd round (No. 66) – Brian Asamoah (LB): Vikings backup
  • 4th round (No. 118) – Akayleb Evans (CB): Waivers (cut today by Vikings)
  • 5th round (No. 165) – Esezi Otomewo (DL): Jaguars backup
  • 5th round (No. 169) – Ty Chandler (RB): Vikings backup
  • 6th round (No. 184) – Vederian Lowe (OT): Patriots starter
  • 6th round (No. 191) – Jalen Nailor (WR): Vikings WR3
  • 7th round (No. 227) – Nick Muse (TE): Vikings backup
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