6 safeties the Vikings could select in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Luke Parrish
Caden Sterns (Texas)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-feet | Weight: 210 pounds
2020 stats:
- 52 tackles
- 1.5 TFLs
- 1 interception
Caden Sterns was a big-time recruit out of high school and was supposed to be a superstar at Texas, which was looking to be the case after his first season. He snagged four interceptions and recorded 62 tackles as a freshman, good for his best season with the Longhorns.
Sterns’ production took a dip after his first season, but he still showed some flashes as a cover safety prior to heading to the NFL. He was at his best when playing freely on the back end and showing off his range to the sidelines. He reads passing concepts and routes much better than he does in the run game.
Sterns is not a great thumper or tackler in space, which will limit his role in the NFL. He is not going to be a game-wrecker in the run game, but that’s okay. The Vikings have plenty of those guys, and they could use extra coverage help in the secondary, which is where Sterns would slide in. He could be a rotational safety that gives Harrison Smith and Xavier Woods the freedom to move down towards the line.
He is excellent at playing the ball out of the air and getting from the middle of the field to the sideline. He can still develop into more of a hitter and run-stopping safety, but his early role would be as a depth piece that can cover deep halves.
There are plenty of options for the Vikings at safety if they decide to go for one in this draft. Several guys can fill different needs and roles as the Vikings seek help in the secondary next to Harrison Smith.