Minnesota Vikings: 10 best fourth-round draft picks of all-time

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Minnesota Vikings fans cheer after a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

8. John Swain, cornerback – 1981

The team’s fourth-round draft pick in the 1981 NFL Draft, cornerback John Swain was a standout with the Miami Hurricanes before bringing his ball-hawking style of defense to the Minnesota Vikings.

Swain made an impact right away, nabbing two interceptions in his rookie year and recovering one fumble in 12 games played with one start. That effort earned him a bigger role in upcoming seasons where he continued to showcase his ability to find the football.

Playing in 50 games with the Vikings and starting 23 of them in his four seasons with Minnesota, Swain intercepted 12 passes, returning them for a total of 70 yards while adding two fumble recoveries.

John Swain would go on to found the Next Level Foundation, which helps to provide family support and to raise educational levels of children in Minnesota. Plus, he is also the NFL’s NFL Heads Up Youth Ambassador to Minnesota and a Uniform Inspector for the NFL.

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