What the Vikings can expect from Cameron Dantzler in 2020
By Luke Parrish
The Good
NFL Length
The Vikings desperately need someone who can play on the outside and keep Mike Hughes in the slot. Jeff Gladney will likely start on the perimeter, leaving the other side up for grabs. At 6-foot-2, Dantzler brings plenty of size on the outside with the potential to be a physical corner in press coverage.
Xavier Rhodes was a big part of Minnesota’s defense thanks to his size and length, which Dantzler matches as a prospect. If he puts it all together, he can be a very efficient perimeter cornerback in the future.
Physicality
There are some things to work on in press coverage, but Dantzler loves to play up near the line and with aggression. He is not shy of contact and he will come down to hit in the run game. Using that length to his advantage will only make this even more apparent as he grows as a player.
He does a good job of shading his man and making plays on the ball when they throw in his direction. He is the perfect player to learn under Mike Zimmer and he should have a chance for early playing time thanks to his physical mindset.
Production
The SEC is loaded with NFL talent at wide receiver and Dantzler did a great job of limiting some of the best in the nation. He only allowed more than 60 yards in a game one time during his entire collegiate career. If he can keep up that production in the NFL, the Vikings will be very happy with this pick.