5 things to know about Vikings rookie CB Jeff Gladney

What are some things to know about Vikings rookie corner Jeff Gladney?

The Minnesota Vikings selected TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney with the 31st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Five cornerbacks were selected before him, and the Vikings nabbed Gladney after trading back six spots with San Francisco 49ers. Minnesota acquired three picks in the trade and they turned the draft capital into Gladney, former South Carolina defensive end D.J. Wonnum, and former Miami wide receiver K.J. Osborn. It was a vintage Rick Spielman transaction when it comes to accumulating draft picks.

The good news for Gladney is that the Vikings cleared the deck of virtually all corners on the roster this offseason.

Minnesota’s play at the cornerback position was flummoxing during the 2019 campaign, so changes were in order. The team neglected to retain free agents Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackenzie Alexander this year. It was very much out with the old and in with the new.

As for the new and young replacements, Gladney, Cameron Dantzler, and Harrison Hand are among the men who are hopeful to see immediate action. And that is likely because the Vikings’ defensive back room is rather barren outside of the top-notch safties that occupy the space.

So, we know that Gladney has high hopes attached to his name and that he should play early on this season. But what are some facts we don’t yet know about him? Let’s find out.