Minnesota Vikings Roster: The Cornerbacks

This run through the roster of the Minnesota Vikings roster comes to an end with the Cornerbacks.

At the start of the offseason, the Vikings had four cornerbacks on the roster. 

Cam Dantzler

Kris Boyd

Harrison Hand

Parry Nickerson

Cam Dantzler was the only one of the four that had started more than a single game. No Vikings position group was in greater need of restocking than the cornerbacks.

Minnesota Vikings Roster: The Cornerbacks

Patrick Peterson

Cam Dantzler

Chandon Sullivan

Andrew Booth Jr.

Akayleb Evans

Kris Boyd

Harrison Hand

Nate Hairston

Parry Nickerson

Tye Smith

Patrick Peterson was re-signed to be CB1 and the leader/mentor of the young cornerback group. Cam Dantzler is penciled in as CB2. He’ll have to fend off second-round pick Andrew Booth Jr. to keep the role. Chandon Sullivan was signed in the offseason to hopefully provide an experienced presence at nickel. The Vikings used a future draft pick to trade up in the fourth round to secure Akayleb Evans. It’s still early in training camp but Peterson, Dantzler, Booth, Sullivan, and Evans have probably established themselves as the core of this season’s cornerback room. It’s easy to see Dantzler, Booth, and Evans as the team’s future at the position. Unless Sullivan loses his hold on the nickel job, I see a single cornerback roster spot up for grabs. Kris Boyd, Harrison Hand, Nate Hairston, Parry Nickerson, and Tye Smith are competing for that spot.

Top Competition:

Cam Dantzler vs Andrew Booth Jr.

Right guard might be the most important competition on the team. Dantzler vs Booth might be the most fun and interesting competition. Soon after Booth was drafted, I wondered if Peterson’s starting job was in jeopardy. Despite his ripe age of 32, he’s is still playing like the team’s best corner. His ridiculous natural athleticism has yet to leave him. His football smarts will always be elite. Dantzler and Booth are competing to play opposite Peterson. While I consider all three outside corners, I can’t help but wonder if the coaches try and fit all three on the field at the same time. 

Could Surprise:

Akayleb Evans. Evans spent the days after he was drafted engaging with fans. He quickly became a fan favorite. It’s early in training camp but he’s making plays. He’s playing like an early contributor and future starter. In March, the Vikings cornerback group was frightening. In August, the position might be a team strength. The addition of Evans is a big reason for that. I believe that he has a bright future in Minnesota. 

I see the Vikings keeping six cornerbacks.

Patrick Peterson

Cam Dantzler

Andrew Booth Jr.

Chandon Sullivan

Akayleb Evans

Kris Boyd/Harrison Hand

Pre-training camp, I thought that his play on special teams made Kris Boyd a roster lock. Now, I find myself leaning toward Harrison Hand for the final cornerback spot.