Vikings Training Camp 2019: Previewing the secondary
By Chris Schad
Reserve Cornerbacks:
Beyond the top three cornerbacks, the bottom half of the depth chart is a mess in the wake of Holton Hill‘s suspensions for PEDs and violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. Also, complicating things is Mike Hughes‘ recovery from a torn ACL. The Vikings are currently looking at options to fill out this group, but for now, it’s anyone’s guess to how it will actually play out.
Mike Hughes: Hughes got off to a strong start last season before tearing his ACL in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals. Just as the Vikings reported to camp, it was revealed that Hughes suffered additional ligament damage as well and might not be ready for the start of the 2019 season.
Ideally, the Vikings would like to start out Hughes slow and with the top three spots on the depth chart solidified, Minnesota has the luxury to do just that. It will be interesting to see if a free-agent signee could siphon snaps from Hughes once the season starts. But if he can round into shape, he could make an impact toward the back half of the season.
Holton Hill: Hill had a strong season for the Vikings during his rookie year, but will be suspended for the first eight games of the season after violating the NFL’s policy on PEDs and substance abuse. After Zimmer told reporters that, “disappointed was not the right word,” for his situation, his status with the team is currently up in the air.
Kris Boyd: You knew Zimmer was going to get his cornerback at some point during this year’s draft and after focusing primarily on the offensive side of the ball for the first six rounds, he finally got his guy in the seventh-round. Boyd fits the build of a Mike Zimmer cornerback at 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds and he also plays with physicality, ranking 28th in Pro Football Focus’ tackling efficiency.
Boyd’s issue is going to be in coverage, where he allowed five touchdowns during his senior season at Texas. But that should be something that Zimmer can attempt to correct during training camp. With the suspension of Hill, Boyd’s development needs to be on a fast track as camp begins.
Terrence Alexander: The UDFA out of LSU doesn’t bring too much to the table, but he has experience in the slot. PFF charged Alexander with eight receptions in 82 snaps in slot coverage, but most of them were for big plays with 118 yards. He’ll most likely be a camp body who has a chance of making the practice squad.
Craig James: James just missed making the roster in final cuts last year and he spent the first 13 weeks on the practice squad before being elevated. James would appear for three games for the Vikings contributing on special teams. He’ll look to lock up that role in camp or at least secure another spot on the practice squad.
Duke Thomas: A fellow Longhorn, Thomas was signed by the Vikings coming off a strong performance in the AAF with the San Antonio Commanders. In eight games, Thomas recorded 25 tackles, an interception, and three pass breakups. He’ll be looking to crack the bottom half of the depth chart.
Nate Meadors: A rookie out of UCLA, Meadors recorded 37 tackles, a sack and an interception during his senior season with the Bruins. He’ll be another player looking for a spot on the practice squad.