7 cornerbacks the Vikings could select in the 2023 NFL draft

Joey Porter Jr. (Penn. St)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 195 pounds

2022 Stats:

• 27 tackles
• 0 interceptions
• 11 passes defended

The Vikings should strongly consider drafting Joey Porter Jr. if he is still available at the 23rd pick. At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Porter Jr. has the physical attributes necessary to excel as an NFL cornerback.

He possesses excellent speed with a 4.46 40-yard dash time, allowing for a strong makeup ability. He has demonstrated great ball skills and a strong ability to read and break up plays with his instincts. Porter is very physical; he uses his hands very intelligently and has the reach to knock down passes even when beaten. 

The key knock on Porter would be the quickness off press coverage, though as a rookie in the NFL, he would likely not be thrown into many single press coverage situations. He would also be given safety help, allowing him to play off his strong instinct. Scouts have pointed out that his quickness while changing directions needs work, but his size and physical nature could allow him to overcome this weakness. 

Minnesota has tried several times to find the perfect fit at cornerback over the past 10 drafts, selecting Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mike Hughes in the first round.

Rhodes had several strong years with the team, though Waynes and Hughes were never first-round level players at the NFL level. Even with the rather unsuccessful drafting of cornerbacks in the first round, Porter could be the one that sticks around and makes an immediate impact to a group in dire need of playmakers.