Vikings Draft Targets: Desmond Trufant Shows Blazing Speed at the Combine

Oct. 20, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Arizona defeated Washington 52-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Is cornerback Desmond Trufant someone the Vikings might consider at #23? You can argue corner is not their #1 need or even their #2 need. So maybe taking Trufant over a wide receiver or defensive tackle – or Manti Te’o? – wouldn’t be the wisest move. But sometimes need has to take a backseat to pure value. And right now Trufant’s potential value is soaring.

First Trufant wowed scouts at the Senior Bowl. But despite his obvious skills there was still concern about his speed. Those concerns may now have been put to bed though. Trufant ran the 40 at the combine Tuesday and put up impressive numbers. He hit 4.31 on his first try and 4.38 on his second. Unofficially. That’s better than expected.

We know Trufant can play. Now we know he can run. If his stock keeps going the direction it has been, he might soar higher than #23, taking him right out of the picture for Minnesota. But if Trufant is sitting there at #23? I believe you have to consider him. Even if you don’t think cornerback is the top need. Sometimes a guy is just overwhelmingly good. Trufant at 23 looks like a high value pick indeed. As of today. We’ll keep you posted if anything changes.

And you know something will change.

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