Xavier Rhodes, cornerback
Gaining a reputation for being a shutdown corner and earning the nickname “Rhodes Closed” for his play the past few seasons, former first-round draft pick Xavier Rhodes has become an essential part of the defense.
However, his 2018 season has left much to be desired and through the first five weeks of the season he is earning his lowest Pro Football Focus grade yet, a 55.3 compared to last year’s impressive 72.4 marks.
Rhodes is a key piece of the Vikings secondary that has been allowing over 66% of opponents passes to be completed while scoring five times as many touchdowns through the air as on the ground.
Struggling his greatest against the Los Angeles Rams, Rhodes could have risen to the occasion against one of the top offenses in the NFL, but instead, the only undefeated team in the NFC had their way with the secondary.
With Everson Griffen sidelined, Rhodes could emerge as a leader in a young secondary and return to his previous form in the remainder of the season. And if he can, the Vikings will be back to the team fans knew.
Are there other Minnesota Vikings players who need to step up this season more than these six? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!