Grading all of the Vikings first-round draft picks since 2018
By Dean Jones
Jeff Gladney – CB
- No. 31 overall selection
After originally projected to go in the top-15, Jeff Gladney’s slide meant selecting the cornerback at No. 31 overall was a high-value pickup by the Minnesota Vikings. One that could have provided the team with a solid cover corner following their decision to part ways with Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes.
Gladney took his time to settle, as is the case with most first-year players at the position. There were times when the TCU product certainly looked the part, so hopes were high he could make a giant leap in Year 2 of his professional career.
Sadly, Gladney never got the chance.
The player was arrested and charged with domestic violence by impeding breathing following a serious incident during the offseason. Minnesota wasted little time in removing Gladney completely from the equation, which was the right call to make but a significant blow nonetheless.
Draft Grade: D
Gladney was found not guilty in court and will now look to rectify his NFL career after signing for the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Simply put, this was an absolute disaster for the Vikings and leaves them facing the prospect of going after another first-round cornerback in 2022.