Cornerback
Cornerback definitely isn’t a need for the Vikings this upcoming season. They are set at the position for 2021 with Cameron Dantzler, Patrick Peterson, and Mackensie Alexander as the top trio. They could also have Mike Hughes back, along with the promising Harrison Hand and Kris Boyd to round out the depth.
The issue is beyond this season. Jeff Gladney may never step foot on an NFL field again, and Peterson and Alexander are only on one-year deals. If Gladney’s current criminal charges result in him getting let go by Minnesota and Peterson and Alexander aren’t brought back after this season, then this could very well be the team’s top need heading into the 2022 NFL Draft.
Dantzler, while being a bit injury prone, impressed in his rookie season and he looks like he could develop into the team’s future No. 1 option. Hand would need to take a major step forward in year two to be considered a starter for 2022, and he may not see the snaps necessary to attain the experience needed to make such a jump.
The fact the team didn’t draft a single cornerback in the 2021 draft shows that they may see a future with Peterson and Alexander beyond this season. But if neither of them are re-signed, Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman could once again use their first-round choice on a cornerback in 2022.