Minnesota Vikings draft: Five potential safety targets

Sep 12, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers safety Jayron Kearse (1) celebrates after making an interception during the first half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers safety Jayron Kearse (1) celebrates after making an interception during the first half against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Jeremy Cash, 6-1 212, Duke

Cash started his college career at Ohio State then transferred to Duke, becoming a stat-monster in three years with the Blue Devils. Cash capped his Duke career in 2015 by winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year and being named All-America. An injured wrist forced him to miss the team’s bowl game and that wrist remains a concern.

Scouts love Cash’s skills as an in-the-box safety but are concerned that he will struggle in deep coverage at the next level. He is viewed as a strong, aggressive tackler with great instincts but scouts believe his lack of athletic ability will limit him.

Because he is limited athletically, I don’t see Cash as a target for the Vikings in the first. Since Mike Zimmer’s arrival the Vikes have tended to covet defensive players with outstanding tools who can be molded to fit Zimmer’s scheme. If Cash lasts until the middle rounds, perhaps the Vikings would take a look.

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