3 positions Vikings won’t target with top draft pick after free agency
By Nik Edlund
Cornerback
The Vikings shocked the world when they agreed to terms with future Hall of Famer cornerback Patrick Peterson. Peterson may not be the same player on the field as he once was. Still, he brings veteran leadership to a very young group of corners. His presence and knowledge will fast-track the development of Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler, Harrison Hand, and even Kris Boyd. The Vikings apparently weren’t done upgrading this position, as they brought back one of their own in Mackensie Alexander.
While Mike Hughes’ future is up in the air, Minnesota has more than enough talent on the roster to not use their first-round pick on this position, even if he doesn’t come back.
As mentioned above, the Vikings have Gladney, Dantzler, Hand, and Boyd already on the roster. Gladney was a first-round pick a season ago and Dantzler was a third-round choice. Adding Peterson and Alexander to the mix gives Minnesota four solid starting-caliber corners with high upside young backups.
It will be tough for Mike Zimmer to pass on prospects like Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn if either falls to pick No. 14, but the smart decision will be to hold off. The Vikings need to use that pick to fill a need area like defensive end or the offensive line, and not address a position they are already rich at.