Cameron Dantzler – CB
As stated previously, the Vikings got a top player on and off the field in the form of Patrick Peterson. The cornerback might not have the same sort of athleticism he once demonstrated as a shutdown presence on the outside. But few would argue he isn’t a noteworthy addition to a positional group that lacked some gameday nous following the departures of Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander last year.
Cameron Dantzler was given plenty of responsibility alongside Jeff Gladney during his rookie campaign. This is sure to stand him in tremendous stead moving forward and having such an experienced figure such as Peterson to lean on for support and guidance should be the security blanket he needs throughout his sophomore season.
Minnesota probably had half a mind on this when they decided to bring Peterson on board. Youth will only get you so far in the NFL if you have too much of it, so acquiring the three-time All-Pro has advantages that far exceed what he’s going to produce on the field.
Dantzler and Gladney will be the main beneficiaries, of that there is little doubt. Both showed enough to indicate they could become a prolific starting tandem as the years go by and learning from Peterson isn’t going to do their chances any harm at all.