Strong cornerback play
There were plenty of changes to the cornerback options available to the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander, and Trae Waynes all went their separate ways from the organization during free agency and it has left head coach Mike Zimmer with a relatively inexperienced quartet going forward.
Former first-round pick Mike Hughes will get the chance to show that he can become a No. 1 option after suffering some injury problems during his career so far. This is the opportunity he has been waiting for. But coming up against standout wide receiver Davante Adams is going to be a baptism of fire, in no uncertain terms.
Holton Hill should line up as the No. 2 option if all goes well. But if the Green Bay Packers are getting some joy out of the slot then this is another area of their field which he could drop into.
Big expectations are on the shoulders of rookie duo Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler, who both caught the eye during training camp. Cornerbacks in their first year at the next level do tend to struggle and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a master at identifying weak spots in an opposing defense.
If the Vikings can get solid production from this unproven unit, it is going to do their chances a tremendous amount of good. This will be absolutely key and it will be interesting to see how this new-look group performs in the face of some stern pressure.