Minnesota Vikings: Xavier Rhodes trained with star receivers
By Adam Carlson
This offseason, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes trained with some of the top wide receivers around the NFL, including Brown, Beckham, and Landry.
As football fans know, there is a long break in football action between the end of the regular season and playoffs until the next season begins. Many players use this time to hit the gym, be with their families, or vacation to take their mind off the game. Xavier Rhodes isn’t one of those guys.
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According to an article on the 1500 ESPN website, Rhodes has been training with some of the top pass catchers in the NFL, including standouts like Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown, Miami’s Jarvis Landry, and Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Xavier Rhodes knows Brown from their home roots. Both attended Miami Norland High School and lived nearby, so returning home means they can get together and work to stay sharp during the offseason.
"“Some of us grew up together and we’re down there and one person knows another and we came together,” Rhodes said. “You’re going against the best. Those guys are labeled as some of the best in the league. So going against those guys, getting that work off the field, there’s no choice other than to get better.”"
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While Rhodes worked hard to improve this offseason, that doesn’t mean that he or his coaches are content with where he is as a cornerback. Head coach Mike Zimmer is known for wanting nothing but the absolute best from his players and wasn’t timid in saying that he’s pleased with the work Rhodes put in, but there is much more to be done.
"“I think he can be a really good cornerback,” Zimmer said. “He’s obviously got great length. He can run. He can turn his hips good. He’s physical. Sometimes Xavier’s his own worst enemy and he’ll get down on himself a little bit. I think he feels confident in what he’s done this spring. I think he’s improved a lot in his off coverage this spring. We will get back to working on bump-and-run when we get back.”"
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Xavier Rhodes is part of a Minnesota Vikings secondary that has become fearsome over the past two seasons. Joining veterans Captain Munnerlyn and Terence Newman as well as other young players like Trae Waynes and rookie Mackensie Alexander, this could be a group of defensive backs that help make the Vikings defense one of the most feared in the NFL.