One Man Is on His Way Back to the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings cornerback room, at least on paper in early February, will need some help this offseason.
One Man Is on His Way Back to the Vikings
So when Mekhi Blackmon tweeted a photo of himself back at Vikings facilities in Eagan this week, onlookers smiled.
Blackmon posted this with a “Thank God” caption this week:
Minnesota will need Blackmon back and healthy this offseason and in the 2025 campaign. At the moment, these are the cornerbacks attached to the Vikings’ roster orbit:
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Dwight McGlothern
- NaJee Thompson
- Reddy Steward
- Kahlef Hailassie
- Nahshon Wright
- Ambry Thomas
Only Blackmon and McGlothern can be interpreted as possible playable starters of that group. Minnesota may re-sign Pro Bowler Byron Murphy, which will ease the pain, but the team will need one more starter, either from the draft, like Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina), or free agency. D.J. Reed is a popular target in Vikings fan circles.
Minnesota selected Blackmon in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft, and the man immediately contributed. He ranked as the NFL’s 32nd-best overall cornerback in 2023, according to PFF, a fantastic mark for a rookie and a decent grade for anybody. About 90 cornerbacks play football on any given Sunday, and Blackmon was near the NFL’s best one-third. He also checked in as PFF’s third-best rookie corner — as a rookie.
Blackmon didn’t necessarily receive the same sexy fanfare that followed rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., for example, but he was nearly as efficient in lesser playing time. Then, his development hit a roadblock because of the ACL tear last July, hitting the pause button until, well, now.
The young cornerback spoke about his injury two weeks ago via Vikings.com: “Really, I just couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think it was real. I didn’t really think I was injured at all. Just thought I got banged up a little. So when I got the news, I was real bummed. But everything happens for a reason. God makes no mistakes, so I’m just kind of waiting for my turn, and it’s coming soon.”
“I haven’t went into a dark space or anything. These guys around the locker room have done a real good job with keeping me around and keeping me energized, as far as watching them and stuff. It’s been a real exciting year just to watch. I wish I could have played,” he added.
And with the Instagram post, one can reasonably expect Blackmon to be ready for the 2025 campaign, barring any setbacks.
Blackmon will turn 26 next month.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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