Mike Hughes – CB
Mike Hughes enters the 2020 season as the elder statesman of the Vikings cornerback group. This shouldn’t make any fan feel one bit comfortable though. The only thing Hughes has proven so far in his two-year NFL career is that he’s an unreliable, injury-prone player.
Hughes has shown some flashes in his time on the field, as he’s had a pick-six and he grabbed another interception just last year. He also has 12 career pass breakups with 67 tackles.
However, there are plenty of times where Hughes has looked lost in coverage and he gives his man way to big of a cushion.
Hughes has also had times where he’s had good position on his man, but somehow the pass still makes it into the hands of the receiver. This happened a lot during Minnesota’s game against the Dallas Cowboys last season when Hughes was schooled by Amari Cooper for most of the night.
Like it or not, chances are very high that Hughes will be one of the Vikings’ starting corners this year. He will likely be forced to go up against opponents’ top targets often and he will need to live up to the potential that made him a first-round pick.
There’s no question that Hughes has the physical tools to be a solid starting corner, but his injury history and spotty play so far will make him a liability until he can begin to make plays consistently.