Minnesota Vikings draft 2017: Post free agency mock draft
By Jordan Reid
The 2017 cornerback draft class is heralded for how deep it is. Many experts have said from top to bottom, this class is the deepest that they have ever seen in history. With that being said, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is known as the “defensive back whisperer”. Do we really think that he will go throughout the draft without getting the defensive back of his choice? I don’t see that happening.
Last week, veteran cornerback Terence Newman signed a one-year, $3.25 million. Due to Newman’s return, the team decided not to sign another free agent cornerback. With the departure of Captain Munnerlyn back to the Carolina Panthers, that leaves Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander as the only returning cornerbacks from the 2016 active roster.
#DraftTwitter: The other Wilson in this CB class is underrated. He also wears #6. Wilson's tape is the least talked about tape out there. pic.twitter.com/eqyiDTxfRb
— NFL Draft GIFs (@NFLDraftGIFs) February 15, 2017
Unsure whether Alexander will be able to assume the nickel spot void left by Munnerlyn and a lack of depth behind their top three, former Houston ballhawk Howard Wilson is the cornerback of Zimmer’s choice.
At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Wilson has the size that Zimmer covets. The former First-Team All-AAC selection is a match made in heaven for the Vikings’ scheme. Excelling in press-man coverage, Howard is at his best when he can get in the face of receivers, playing man-to-man coverage.
Combine Results:
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 184 pounds
- Arm Length: 31 3/8 inches
- Hand Size: 9 5/8 inches
- Best 40 Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
- Bench Press: Did Not Participate
- Vertical Jump: 33.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 119 inches
- Three Cone Drill: 6.68 seconds
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 3.94 seconds