It only took 5 games for Isaiah Rodgers to become what Brian Flores thinks he is

After the Minnesota Vikings signed free agent cornerback Isaiah Rodgers in March, head coach Kevin O'Connell unsurprisingly revealed who vouched for the move.

"Isaiah was a guy that Flo (defensive coordinator Brian Flores) really identified pretty early. And historically, I haven't been doing this long with Flo, but when Flo kinda has that tone in his voice about guys — I'm not gonna mention the other ones that he has had that in his voice about — but he's been pretty darn accurate. And that guy, whether playing for us or somebody else, has immediately shown up. So no pressure on Isaiah, but he definitely got that evaluation from Flo."

At minicamp in June, Flores confirmed his affinity for Rodgers.

"Isaiah's been on my radar since he was at UMass", Flores said. [A] fast playmaker, [I] think he's one of these kind of late-round guys who found his way in the league in the kicking game and got in some games and made some plays.

"I've always thought he was a good player and was ascending, and the opportunity presented itself that we could maybe acquire him. I was all in, and I'm happy we got him. He's been a great addition. He's got a great kind of football IQ and acumen."

The highlight of Rodgers' first five games as a Viking was Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, when he had an interception return and a fumble return for a touchdown and won NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

But that single performance should not obscure how good Rodgers has been overall. He is Pro Football Focus' third-highest graded cornerback in the league through Week 5, with the No. 1 coverage grade (86.1) at the position.

Isaiah Rodgers has been exactly what Brian Flores thought he could be for the Minnesota Vikings

According to PFF and Pro Football Reference, Rodgers has allowed 11 receptions on 21 targets in his coverage so far this season. The yardage and passer rating allowed numbers are a little different, but still top-notch.

Looking closer at some individual matchups Rodgers has had thus far, he has held some big-name wide receivers in check.

PFF actually shows the number of catches DK Metcalf had against Rodgers in Week 4 as two, for 15 yards, but the overall point remains. Those five receivers have also combined for just eight targets against him, so Rodgers has regularly just taken them away as an option when he's been lined up against them.

In reaction to the list of receivers he has shut down so far, Rodgers gave all the credit to Flores.

When Flores has a strong conviction about how someone can fit into his defense, the Vikings are smart to listen.