Could Darqueze Dennard become the next Vikings slot corner?
By Dean Jones
What would Dennard bring to the Vikings?
Darqueze Dennard would provide some much-needed experience to the Vikings in 2020. This is something that they are sorely missing thanks to the departures of Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander this offseason.
Dennard has been around the NFL a while now. He is a six-year veteran who might have fallen below expectations during his career. But his play when available last season suggested it is still a little too late to write off his chances just yet.
The Vikings’ secondary problems were there for all to see last season. They were undone constantly on the outside and their deficiencies would have been more glaring had it not been for standout safety duo Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith.
Alexander played well in the slot and Minnesota will be looking for similar production from any new recruit. They could potentially get this from Dennard, who has gained plenty of experience in the nickel and there is plenty to be gained from his perspective if he plays well for the Vikings.
Whether he is willing to assume the slot cornerback role on a permanent basis remains to be seen. Dennard was reportedly looking to compete for a starting job with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which may indicate the specialist role is not something he is looking to take on long-term.
With that being said, there is nothing to suggest he wouldn’t fit in well with the current Minnesota roster and he is an intriguing short-term option that could end up being a long-term steal.