The Minnesota Vikings All-Pro cornerback recently listed the seven players who he believes are currently the best in the NFC North.
In the last few seasons, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes has evolved from a young kid with a bunch of potential to one of the absolute best at his position in the entire NFL.
As part of the Vikings’ second-ranked pass defense in 2017, Rhodes performance earned him a First-Team All-Pro selection and a second-straight Pro Bowl invite. His All-Pro selection was the first for a Minnesota cornerback since Audray McMillian earned the honor in 1992.
Minnesota Vikings
During the Vikings’ 2018 opener on Sunday, Rhodes already got his season off to a great start. The Minnesota corner didn’t allow his coverage to haul in any passes and he was also able to come away with an interception.
On Tuesday, Rhodes published an article on The Players’ Tribune where he listed the seven players who he believes are currently the best in the NFC North.
Of his seven selections, three are members of the Vikings’ current roster. Rhodes’ listed himself at No. 4 and also included teammates Everson Griffen (No. 6) and Harrison Smith (No. 3) as part of his seven choices.
Topping the list is current Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Despite Rodgers being a rival of Rhodes and Minnesota, the corner couldn’t ignore the incredible abilities possessed by the Packers’ signal-caller.
The Vikings’ All-Pro corner explained why he put Rodgers at the top of his list.
"“He can do it from the pocket, outside the pocket, running left, running right, while he’s getting tackled … this guy has no weakness. He doesn’t get frazzled. He’s so accurate, always on the money. And the worst part?He knows it.His demeanor — his swagger — he’s so confident in his game that it actually bothers you. And you can’t even talk trash about him. You have to respect him, because he’s one of the best to ever play the game.”"
Rhodes will get a chance to go against Rodgers in Week 2 when Minnesota travels to Green Bay to take on the Packers and their superstar quarterback.
Will it be the Vikings and their talented corner who are able to come out of the matchup with a win?
Well in order for Minnesota to get a victory over the Packers this week, task number one for the Vikings is obviously to shut down Rodgers. And as Rhodes explained earlier, that feat is going to be far from easy to accomplish.