2014 NFL Draft: Minnesota Vikings Select DB Antone Exum

Dec 28, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Antone Exum (1) returns an interception thrown by Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Gary Nova (not pictured) during the fourth quarter of the 2012 Russell Athletic Bowl at the Citrus Bowl. Virginia Tech defeated Rutgers 13-10 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, the Vikings did finally make a pick. And they did finally address the secondary.

The player they took with the #182 pick, Antone Exum, is an intriguing prospect. But there are big question marks about him.

The questions on Exum begin with his knee but don’t end there. Exum tore an ACL last January, but despite being cleared to play early in the 2013-2014 season at Virginia Tech, he elected not to suit up.

Why did Exum voluntarily keep himself out despite being recovered? That’s a big question.

If Exum is healthy and finally ready to get back to work as a football player, here’s what he brings to the table potentially.

The main thing is positional flexibility. Exum has the size-speed combination everyone likes to see in a defensive back these days. He could play safety, he could play cornerback.

Either way he is a tremendous leaper, which is a major point.

There is a lot he will have to clean up from a technique point of view, but Mike Zimmer never shied away from a project.

Again, this is a player with upside but a pretty steep learning curve. We should be used to that by now. It’s been the story of this draft, outside of the trades.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow TVA on Twitter.
Subscribe to the Fansided Daily Newsletter. Sports news all up in your inbox.