Minnesota Vikings 53 man roster projection: Pre-training camp edition

Cornerbacks (5)

An argument could be made and fought very well as to whether the corners or defensive ends are the deepest grouping for the Minnesota Vikings on defense. With a lot of talent available and a great combination of youth and experience, the cornerbacks are a force to be reckoned with.

Here are the players expected to make the roster from this positional grouping:

1. Xavier Rhodes
2. Trae Waynes
3. Mackensie Alexander
4. Mike Hughes
5. Kris Boyd
6. Holton Hill (suspended – exempt from roster count)

Last year was a down year for Rhodes but he is unlikely to see as many reps on the field as he did that season. A decreased workload with more rest is big for cornerbacks, especially those tasked with covering a team’s top receiver.

Both Waynes and Alexander are in the final year of their contract with the Minnesota Vikings and should be playing for their next contract. Losing both of them would be a huge blow to the secondary since Waynes is excellent in run support and Alexander had a breakout year in 2018.

Behind them, there isn’t a lot of experience. Second-year players Hughes and Hill look to be contributors this year and hopefully be the successors to whoever moves on from the team for the 2020 season.

The suspension to Hill opens up a roster spot and forces the team to bring along one more corner. Boyd might not be ready for the NFL since he’s a rookie, but his potential should make him a good stash on the 53 until they can move him to the practice squad.

Barely missed the cut: Craig James