Who will be the Minnesota Vikings’ best defensive player in 2017?

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) runs onto the field for action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier Rhodes, CB

Rhodes is another player that could be argued for having the best performance on Minnesota’s defense in 2016. He really stepped up his game to another level last year and the cornerback will be looking to play even better this season.

In 2016, Rhodes established himself as a player to be feared on the defensive side of the ball. He really evolved into a true, shutdown corner last season as he caused some of the best receivers in the NFL (Odell Beckham Jr., DeAndre Hopkins, Allen Robinson, and more) to have their worst games of the year.

With an upcoming season that is expected to feature Rhodes matching up with players like Antonio Brown, Mike Evans, Julio Jones, Terrelle Pryor, and A.J. Green, the cornerback’s performance against those top pass catchers should be what determines his standing on the Vikings’ defense in 2017.

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