Minnesota Vikings: 5 players who need to step up in 2020
By Adam Carlson
3. Mike Hughes, cornerback
As another former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, Mike Hughes has struggled with injuries that have kept him off the field. When on the field, he has looked like a capable defender but still has plenty of room to grow.
Hughes has a couple of things he will need to prove in 2020. If he can play all 16 games of the regular season this year and do so at a high level, it could help the team move on from the loss of their starting corners from the last few years.
The Vikings don’t need him to be a shutdown corner. They just need him to progress and develop over time while meshing with the current defense, especially if the defensive line can get a good pass rush to make things easier on the secondary.
Of course, good cornerback play is going to be essential if the Vikings want to succeed. When the team faces off against greats like Davante Adams, Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay, and many others who have made a habit of making big plays.