Vikings rookie defender predicted to win a starting job in training camp

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert recently shared a prediction about Minnesota Vikings rookie corner Andrew Booth Jr. emerging as a starter in training camp.

After using their first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on former Georgia safety Lewis Cine, the Minnesota Vikings continued to place an emphasis on improving their secondary when they selected former Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. in the second round.

Many viewed Booth as a prospect that could have come off the board in the first round, but the Vikings were able to land him in round two.

Heading into Minnesota’s training camp this year, some believe the rookie defender has the talent to battle Cameron Dantzler for the No. 2 spot on the team’s cornerback depth chart.

Andrew Booth Jr. predicted to “emerge as a starter” for the Minnesota Vikings

Recently, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert shared a prediction about something that might happen during the Vikings’ training camp this summer.

Seifert’s prediction has to do with Booth and his potential this year. The ESPN reporter believes the rookie will “emerge as a starter” this summer in the battle with Dantzler to be Minnesota’s No. 2 corner.

This is far from an outlandish prediction, especially considering how poorly the Vikings’ secondary performed last season. What was once known as an elite position group under former head coach Mike Zimmer, Minnesota’s defensive backfield played a large role in the team ranking 25th in passing yards allowed last season.

If Booth is going to beat out Dantzler for a starting job this summer though, the rookie will have to remain healthy. A questionable injury history is part of the reason why Booth slipped into the second round during this year’s draft, so he’ll have to prove to the Vikings that they can count on him to stay on the field.

When it comes to Minnesota’s defense this year, it’s probably best to expect the unexpected. A new coaching staff is in charge of the unit now, and they’re going to pick the best players to start, regardless of experience.

So when it comes to Booth “emerging” as the Vikings’ No. 2 cornerback, it’s definitely something that can’t be ruled out as an actual possibility.