Andrew Booth Jr. Can’t Just Get Lucky
The Minnesota Vikings had a cornerback issue coming into the season before they were dealt some serious blows. The position is now arguably the most decimated across the roster, and that shouldn’t be music to Andrew Booth Jr.’s ears.
Andrew Booth Jr. Can’t Just Get Lucky
Coming into this season, it was entirely possible that the Minnesota Vikings’ former second-round pick wouldn’t make the roster. Similarly to Lewis Cine, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s first two draft picks have been nothing short of colossal busts. Cine dealt with an injury that altered his career trajectory, while Booth has failed to be available or effective.
Considering Minnesota’s dire straits at the cornerback position, it’s entirely plausible that Booth Jr. has been saved before training camp even gets fully underway. That can’t be his mentality, however. The Vikings don’t just need bodies on the roster; they need contributors capable of stepping up on a weekly basis.
For a guy who has started just two of the 27 career games, Booth’s taking anything for granted would be wildly unwarranted. He has recorded just a single pass defense and has 20 total tackles to show for his career. Playing limited snaps on special teams, his 13% snap total at cornerback last year was telling as to where he truly is in his career thus far.
Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin were always expected to come in and start. Both have a long enough veteran track record to provide relatively straightforward expectations. There couldn’t be more uncertainty behind that duo at the top, and Booth playing well would go a long way to help mitigate some of those problems.
The Vikings may decide now is the time to pursue another option, but they have yet to consider the free-agent market.
With internal options continuing to dwindle, the development that Brian Flores can get from those familiar with him may be the largest focal point of the season.
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Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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