Minnesota Vikings: The Cornerbacks

Here’s a look at the Minnesota Vikings cornerback. 

Cornerbacks

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

Mekhi Blackmon

Jeff Okudah

Dwight McGlothern

Tavierre Thomas

Ambry Thomas

Reddy Steward 

Kahlef Hailassie

Keenan Garber

Zemaiah Vaughn     

The Vikings were criticized by many draft talking heads for not addressing cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft. I think that the team is confident in what they are doing. Going into the draft, I was more pleased with the current cornerback group than I was at this time last year. Last season, Byron Murphy Jr. established himself as one of the better corners in the league. While not exactly a shutdown corner like a Patrick Surtain, he’s a versatile player that fits the always changing defense of defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The re-signing of Murphy was an offseason priority. Adding Isaiah Rodgers in free agency was also a priority. Murphy and Rodgers top the cornerback group. Mekhi Blackmon was supposed to contend for a starting job last season but that was cut short with a torn ACL on the first day of training camp. He’s healthy now and returns as a contender for significant playing time. Jeff Okudah was one of the more curious additions in free agency. As the third pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he has elite traits. It’s safe to say that he’s yet to play to that draft status or those elite traits. If the coaches can find a role that takes advantage of his talents, size and explosion, he’ll contribute. Perhaps he surprises those that have labeled him a bust this year like Sam Darnold did last year. Dwight McGlothern rounds out what I believe are the Vikings top five corners. As an undrafted free agent last year, he earned a spot on the final 53-man roster. He got some snaps at the end of the season and showed that he belongs. I like his potential. I also like his 6’2” size. 

I have free agent addition Tavierre Thomas with the corners but I’m not sure where he factors in as a defensive player. Corner? Safety? I guess that he’s simply a defensive back. He was signed for his special teams abilities. He’s one of the better special teams players in the league. He’ll have a role there and a spot on the roster. Anything he might add on defense is just extra. 

Not listed here because he was invited to try out during this weekend’s rookie minicamp rather than signed as an undrafted free agent is Tommi Hill. If not for the plantar fasciitis that he played through last season at Nebraska, he might’ve been a Day 1 or Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even with the difficult season, many saw him as fifth- or sixth-round selection. Colorado receiver and the draft’s second pick, Travis Hunter said that he was the toughest corner he faced in college. With good size, speed, and athleticism, he’s an intriguing player. If his foot checks out at the tryout and he performs well, I hope that he gets his NFL shot with the Vikings. Hill has the ability to play in this league.