Keep an Eye on One CB for Vikings in Round 1
Listen, the Minnesota Vikings have as little draft capital as anyone in the NFL. On the one hand, that’s probably an ok thing because general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has not been good when deciding what to do with those selections. Conversely, that’s not a sustainable way to build a team and doesn’t help provide a youth movement.
One Particular CB a Popular Mock Draft Choice for Vikings
After a surprisingly successful season with Sam Darnold stepping up as far more than a bridge quarterback, they own the 24th pick in the first round. They don’t have another selection until the third round and then have two late-round picks after that. By all means, they should acquire additional capital by trading back.
If they don’t, though, and Jahdae Barron is on the board at 24th overall, it could be too difficult to pass up. Multiple mock drafts have suggested the Texas Longhorns defensive back to the Vikings. He is of a decent size at 5’11” and led the SEC in interceptions last season with five. Barron played five games as a freshman and nine as a sophomore. In the past three seasons, he has rounded into one of the best corners college football has seen.
Barron comes from the toughest college football conference, which means he has seen some of the best wide receivers the collegiate level possesses. Despite going up against brutal competition on a weekly basis, he has shined. He’s an adept tackler and should have little problem getting up to speed at the next level.
The Vikings brought back Byron Murphy Jr. on a new deal. They signed Isaiah Rodgers as a starting cornerback as well. Beyond that, things get murky. Jeff Okudah has consistently been hurt and rarely been good. Mekhi Blackmon is coming back from a season-ending injury. Dwight McGlothern, while exciting to dream on, is still raw and a work in progress.
Brian Flores’ defense is already breaking in a new safety in the form of Theo Jackson. It remains to be seen if the unit can withstand an uncertain or depth-lacking cornerback contingent. Barron would start immediately, and the Vikings would have three top options after Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin departed in free agency.
Thanks to the heavy lifting Minnesota has done in free agency, they are potentially in a place to draft the best player available. They don’t have to be pigeon-holed into the cornerback position. Taking Barron at 24th would be about a star falling into their lap rather than zeroing in on something they must do.
Longtime Viking Says Goodbye
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 daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. 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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