4 Vikings rookies who will make the biggest impact in 2021
By Dean Jones
Camryn Bynum – S
- Fourth Round – No. 125 overall
Anthony Harris departed in free agency as expected, eventually signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the Vikings made a potentially shrewd pickup in Xavier Woods, getting a talented young prospect to boost depth was something high on the team’s list of priorities during the draft.
Cameron Bynum spent a large part of his college career at California operating as a cornerback, but Minnesota is sure to explore the possibility of moving him to the backend at the earliest possible opportunity. This will give the prospect time to adjust during OTAs and training camp with a view to possibly becoming a key part of the rotation in Week 1.
Bynum might lack the sort of top-end speed that is normally associated with productive NFL cornerbacks. However, he has bundles of athleticism that could dictate safety as his best position in the pros and there will be no better security blanket to call upon than Harrison Smith if he eventually earns some playing time as expected.
Smith is not getting any younger, so the sooner Minnesota finds a long-term solution on the backend of their secondary, the better. Bynum might not have a huge starting role as a rookie, but there should be some opportunities to make a name for himself.