Outside Starting Corners:
Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes
Leading the way in the Vikings’ secondary is a pair of first-round picks who have made themselves household names during their time under coach Zimmer. A duo that includes Rhodes, who has blossomed into one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks.
Last season, the Minnesota corner had just two interceptions. But he also did what good cornerbacks are expected to do and prevented opposing receivers from catching the ball.
Since 2016 #Vikings CB @XavierRhodes29_ has allowed just 51.6% of the passes thrown into his coverage to be caught, 3rd best mark among CBs with 150+ targets in that time. No surprise to see that he made @PFF_Gordon 's list of top 15 CBs. #SKOL https://t.co/x4mnBg6fZ6
— PFF MIN Vikings (@PFF_Vikings) July 25, 2018
Rhodes has earned the moniker of “Rhodes Closed” for a reason and he’ll continue to be one of the stars of the defense in 2018.
While Rhodes is one of the best corners in the league, Waynes is still trying to find his way. However, the 2015 first-round pick did begin to find his way last season.
While Waynes still tends to go for broke more often than someone would like, he’s beginning to figure things out.
The Vikings did pick up Waynes’ fifth-year option this offseason, but he’ll need another step forward to keep his starting job past 2018. Especially with the team using a first-round pick on a possible replacement last April.