5 things to know about Vikings rookie CB Jeff Gladney
By Dustin Baker
Gladney is on the older end of the spectrum for rookies
If you’re an optimist, this means he’s more game-ready, mature, and poised to make an instant impact. Gladney was a redshirt freshman at TCU in 2015 and he consequently did not see in-game action until 2016.
It should be noted that Gladney’s age is in no way a red flag. It’s just that he is not in that 21-year-old range like recent Vikings rookies such as Alexander Mattison or Justin Jefferson.
A better perspective is a comparison of age to Minnesota tight end Irv Smith. The Alabama alumnus embarks on his sophomore season with the Vikings and he is 605 days younger than Gladney.
No need to panic. 23-year-old rookie selections have been fruitful for the Vikings during the last decade. Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, and Trae Waynes were all 23-years-old when taken by Minnesota in their respective drafts.
On a team that effectively mandates that Gladney see the field right away due to depth chart needs, his age and experience should suit him and the team productively.