The Minnesota Vikings cornerback group has gotten very interesting this offseason. Last year, there was a complete overhaul of the position. Mainstays Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander walked. The Vikings decision-makers decided to go with youth. I loved the move when they were able to select Jeff Gladney, Cameron Dantzler, and Harrison Hand in the 2020 NFL Draft. A promising, young trio of Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, and Kris Boyd were already on the roster and a very promising trio of rookies were added to it. Everything was beautiful until it wasn’t. Hughes was injured, again. Hill did whatever, again. Gladney and Dantzler had promising moments but occasional, minor injuries forced them to miss some time and slowed their development. The plan to go with youth at this very important position didn’t go as hoped. Nothing on defense went as hoped last year. This year, like last year, there was a complete overhaul of the cornerback position in Minnesota. This time the overhaul leaned on the free agent addition of some well-established veterans.
Added:
Patrick Peterson
Mackensie Alexander
Bashaud Breeland
Tye Smith
Parry Nickerson
Subtracted:
Mike Hughes
Minnesota Vikings Cornerbacks
Patrick Peterson
Cameron Dantzler
Mackensie Alexander
Jeff Gladney
Bashaud Breeland
Kris Boyd
Harrison Hand
Dylan Mabin
Tye Smith
Parry Nickerson
Just to get it out of the way. If Jeff Gladney’s offseason assault of his girlfriend happened as it’s been reported, it’s real hard to have him on the team. His staying away from the team while this matter is being handled might be a snapshot of the season. When I think of the current Vikings cornerback group I’ve been thinking of it without Gladney.
The Vikings focused on defensive improvement this offseason. The defense had to improve. The play during much of the 2020 season was abysmal. Much of that was due to the defense being stripped bare by injuries and health concerns. Just getting injured players back will bring improvement. The Vikings also added several players through free agency. With five signings, cornerback was a particular focus. Those signings were topped by Patrick Peterson, Mackensie Alexander, and Bashaud Breeland. If I had to guess at the starters, I’d probably go with Peterson and Cameron Dantzler on the outside and Alexander in the slot. Peterson’s play has slipped the last couple seasons. Whether it’s the optimist in me or confidence in a Mike Zimmer-Karl Scott-Roy Anderson coaching trio combined with a motivated, still gifted Peterson, I expect a rebound season from this All-Decade player. Perhaps it’s again the optimist in me but I expect Dantzler to evolve into an elite corner. That could be as soon as this season. He impressed as a rookie after he got nagging injuries behind him and some confidence under him. Breeland will compete for a starting spot and probably be part of a nice rotation. He has outside-inside versatility but probably better on the outside. I imagine that the emerging Harrison Hand and solid Kris Boyd will round out an impressive six-man cornerback group.
Patrick Peterson
Cameron Dantzler
Mackensie Alexander
Bashaud Breeland
Harrison Hand
Kris Boyd
I can’t recall a Vikings cornerback group going this deep in quality. I can even remember a few years (early 2000s) in which the Vikings trotted out starting cornerbacks that wouldn’t have a prayer of cracking this group. All six of these guys can play. All six of them should earn roles in this defense. A cornerback rotation that goes beyond four players? That’s inconceivable! I can’t wait to see what Zimmer has planned for his remade cornerback group.
Dylan Mabin, Tye Smith, and Parry Nickerson could surprise. They are much more than the typical camp bodies. Each has game experience and Smith and Nickerson have starting experience. None of the corners presently ahead of them in my idea of the depth chart can coast to roster spots.
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