The 2022 NFL Draft was the first for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at the helm as new general manager of the Minnesota Vikings. It's safe to say that Mensah, who executed a whopping six trades, dove right into the responsibilities on draft night. The Vikings addressed their poor secondary with each of their first two picks, bringing in safety Lewis Cine and cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. Minnesota then looked to the offense with five of their last eight picks.

But how did Mensah and the Vikings really do? That's what we'll aim to find out here. That said, here are grades for every pick made by the Vikings in the NFL Draft.

Minnesota Vikings 2022 NFL Draft Grades 

Round 1, Pick 32- S Lewis Cine (Georgia)

Grade: B

The Vikings, armed with the 12th pick in the draft, curiously opted against selecting Notre Dame safety, Kyle Hamilton, widely regarded as one of the best players in the class, instead opting to trade back to pick no. 32 with the Detroit Lions in exchange for the 32nd, 34th and 66th picks.

While it's fair to question that logic, the Vikings still made it out of the first round with a more than capable safety in Georgia's Lewis Cine. Cine is a big hitter who will instantly add some physicality to the back end of a defense that needs it. Cine figures to start alongside Harrison Smith in his rookie year, even though the former projects more as a strong safety.

Round 2, Pick 42- CB Andrew Booth Jr. (Clemson)

Grade: A-

The Vikings got themselves a steal here, trading up to get pick no. 42 and selecting Clemson's Andrew Booth Jr., who was a projected first round pick by some. Booth excels in both man and zone coverage and is capable of being solid in run support as well. The only drawback to this pick is that the Clemson star did have a tendency to gamble at times with his coverage, leaving him prone to big plays.

Round 2, Pick 59- G Ed Ingram (LSU)

Grade: B-

Ed Ingram had some off-field issues at LSU, as he was arrested for an alleged aggravated sexual assault. However, Ingram rebounded with a strong year in 2021, earning a Senior Bowl invite and second team all-SEC honors. The 6-3, 315-pound Ingram projects as a capable run-blocker, one who thrives at pulling. He should be a good fit in the Vikings' run-first offense.

Round 3, Pick 66- LB Brian Asamoah (Oklahoma State)

Grade: B+

Brian Asamoah curiously decided to enter the NFL Draft as a junior, eschewing his senior season at Oklahoma State. However, there wasn't much left for Asamoah to prove at the college level, after leading the team in tackles in each of his two seasons as a starter. He's a bit small, but his ability in coverage and instincts could help him challenge for starting spot sooner rather than later.

Round 4, Pick 118- CB Akayleb Evans (Missouri)

Grade: B

Akayleb Evans possesses intriguing length at 6-2 and has long arms that helped him develop into a disruptor on the outside. While the Vikings may have reached a bit for Evans here in the fourth round, the upside is well worth it, especially for a defense that allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game last year.

Round 5, Pick 165- DL Esezi Otomewo (Minnesota)

Grade: B-

The Vikings may have reached a bit here as well, though Esezi Otomewo's skill against both the run and the pass- career-high 79.4 PFF grade in 2021- and ability to play both end and tackle- will make him a good fit for Minnesota's defense, which is moving to a three-man front in 2022.

Round 5, Pick 169- RB Ty Chandler (North Carolina)

Grade: C+

The Vikings could have used the extra draft capital to acquire an extra halfback earlier in a draft filled with middle round talents. However, Chandler is a good late-round find who transferred to North Carolina after four years with Tennessee. Chandler has big-play ability, as evidenced by his 13 touchdowns and 6.0 yards per carry average.

Round 6, Pick 184- T Vederian Lowe (Illinois)

Grade: C

Lowe didn't wow scouts in college a five-year starter, which makes his NFL upside limited. However, his experience could pay off at the next level, with the ability to develop into a starting-caliber tackle within the range of outcomes.

Round 6, Pick 191- WR Jalen Nailor (Michigan State)

Grade: B+

This is tremendous value here, as Jalen Nailor was thought to be a fourth or fifth round pick by some. He has 4.40 40-yard dash speed and showed it on the field, averaging 16.9 yards per reception in his career as a Spartan. He'll find a role as a field-stretcher in Minnesota.

Round 7, Pick 226- TE Nick Muse (South Carolina)

Grade: C+

The Vikings added to their depth at tight end behind Irv Smith Jr., selecting Muse, who is athletic for his size- 6-5 and 249 pounds. Muse has a decent chance at making the team, given his speed and good hands.