5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks – Preseason Week 1

Prediction No. 4

Mekhi Blackmon and Joejuan Williams will have the most intriguing battle

Ever since Terence Newman retired in 2017, the Vikings have had a hole at the slot corner position. Although Mackensie Alexander had a solid year in 2018, the Vikings have had a carousel on the inside, including Alexander, Mike Hughes, and Chandon Sullivan.

The Vikings are hopeful that Byron Murphy, who will also start as an outside corner in base packages, can help fill the role. But when he kicks inside, it leaves another spot open on the boundary, which creates an opportunity across from Akayleb Evans.

While the Vikings would probably like to see 2022 second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. seize that opportunity, his injuries have opened the door for Mekhi Blackmon and Joejuan Williams to battle for the spot and provide one of the most intriguing battles on Thursday night.

Williams has previous experience in Flores’s scheme after coming over from the New England Patriots this past offseason. While he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury a year ago, he’s proficient in man coverage thanks to a 6-foot-3, 212-pound frame and began camp with the first-team nickel defense.

But Blackmon might have more upside despite his rookie status and advanced age. While playing 20 percent of his snaps in man coverage at USC last season, Blackmon allowed just three completions and intercepted two passes on 15 targets in those snaps and has overtaken Williams in nickel sets over the past week.

Game action could be the tiebreaker between these two players, and if Blackmon has a strong performance, he could be on track to start Week 1.