Vikings 53-man roster predictions heading into 2023 training camp

Cornerbacks (6)

• Byron Murphy Jr.
• Akayleb Evans
• Andrew Booth Jr.
• Mekhi Blackmon (R)
• Jay Ward (R)
• Joejuan Williams

If you followed my content this offseason, then you know I am worried about the cornerback room. Brian Flores' presence will help, and the signing of Byron Murphy Jr. eases the anxiety as well. The problem is that Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth Jr. couldn't stay on the field in 2022, and the expectation is that they will be the primary outside corners, at least to start the season.

In OTA's this offseason, it seemed as though Joejuan Williams and Mekhi Blackmon received a majority of the snaps on the outside, and Booth saw mostly sub-package snaps. Unless the Vikings are ready to give up on Booth Jr. this quickly, he needs to play.

Rookies Mekhi Blackmon and Jay Ward both can play in the slot. Blackmon can play on the outside as well, and Ward can line up in both safety positions. Both could be used in a number of different ways in the Brian Flores defense.

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had said that Ward reminds him a lot of Texans defensive back Jimmy Ward, which bodes well for the Vikings' defensive future if he can replicate that form.

Don't count out the Vikings signing a veteran free agent to add to the room before or during training camp.