6 cornerbacks the Vikings could pick in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
![(Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Patrick Surtain (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports) Patrick Surtain](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthevikingage-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F15426792-850x560-0be27ed6744b6ad7a9298593d75b3ab63983a17d11974e0da181a2da03da145f.jpg)
Keith Taylor Jr. (Washington)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 191 pounds
2020 Stats:
- 7 tackles
- 0 interceptions
- 1 pass breakup
Despite playing just three games for Washington in 2020 due to COVID-19, Keith Taylor Jr. showed enough to suggest he can forge a successful career in the NFL. He can operate either on the outside or in the slot, with him being another that copes well in press coverage thanks to a strong upper body and impressive physicality.
This also enabled Taylor to be a factor against the run, which is something the Vikings tend to always look for in their cornerbacks. His tackling is nothing short of exceptional both in tight windows and in open space, with wide receivers finding life extremely difficult gaining yards after the catch when going up against him.
Perhaps the best word to describe Taylor’s production on the field would be efficient. There is nothing too flashy about his play, but he does all the right things with minimal fuss that makes him tailor-made for the Vikings and the attitude of their head coach, Mike Zimmer.
Much will depend on just when the run on cornerbacks on Day 2 of this year’s draft begins as to where Taylor will be picked. He’ll be on a lot of teams’ shortlists. Of that, there is little doubt. So if Minnesota wants to take him, then a move up might be the only way to guarantee it.