Rhodes’ rise to stardom
The Vikings showed great faith in Xavier Rhodes by taking the player 25th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. This was repaid with some outstanding early production that eventually propelled him into the argument as the best cornerback in the league.
The former Florida State standout was on the field for 58 percent of Minnesota’s defensive snaps during his rookie season. He recorded 48 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and an interception during a hugely encouraging campaign.
Rhodes really came of age in 2016 with five picks, 52 combined tackles, and 11 pass deflections. While that was good, 2017 was even better and it firmly put him in the elite category.
He was simply exceptional against some of the best receivers in the league. Rhodes played man-coverage throughout the season and he took on the responsibility of covering the opposition’s best threat in the passing game with confidence.
His statistics of 56 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 pass deflections do not tell the full story. The 29-year-old was such a prominent covering force that quarterbacks rarely looked in his direction. This is a tell-tale sign of greatness at the cornerback position.
This incredible campaign resulted in a First-Team All-Pro selection for Rhodes, the only time he has received such an honor during his career. He was unquestionably one of the best in the business and he closed down one half of the field on passing downs.