NFL Combine Will Showcase These New Top CBs for the Vikings
Cody Spears
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The NFL Combine is going to give clarity to the order at the top of multiple positions, but maybe none more so than cornerback. The class is loaded at the top. On any given day, there are about seven cornerbacks mocked to go in the first round, all vying for the chance to be the first drafted.
The Minnesota Viking’s defense showed promise in spurts last year. The linebackers and safeties performed admirably, but it remains clear that the team needs to invest in corners and defensive linemen.
The Vikings have many pending free-agent defensive linemen. Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, Marcus Davenport, and Jonathan Bullard have expiring contracts.
According to Spotrac, they are estimated to have $28 million in cap space. They still have to navigate through at least one quarterback contract and a Justin Jefferson mega-contract. Two of their best options for clearing space would be to move on from Harrison Smith or Byron Murphy.
If the Vikings revamp their front seven through free agency, they’ll likely be targeting their choice of of the top cornerbacks. Today, we’ll identify my top three cornerbacks ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine.
Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo)
Quinyon Mitchell was potentially the best player at the Senior Bowl, alleviating the biggest question on his profile. Scouts wondered how he’d hold up against superior competition after spending his career playing for MAC conference-based Toledo. Mitchell repeatedly showcased his man coverage and route recognition throughout the week and will look to carry momentum into the NFL Combine.
Mitchell dominated opponents while playing for Toledo, and after being first-team All-MAC the last two years, he was named first-team All-American. Mitchell has excellent ball skills, too, owning the record for most interceptions in a game with four against Northern Illinois in 2022.
Since he wasn’t asked to press much at Toledo, developing that area of his game to become a CB1 will be important. The Vikings should be looking to add a coverage versatile cornerback who’s comfortable playing on the boundary, and Quinyon Mitchell fits that bill ahead of the NFL Combine. He would be at his best with his back to the sideline and his eyes on the developing play.
Terrion Arnold (Alabama)
Terrion Arnold will walk into the NFL Combine as one of the elite cornerbacks in the NCAA last year, bringing home first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC. He was a rare starting freshman for Nick Saban in what would end up being Saban’s final year in Tuscaloosa. Arnold enrolled at Alabama with his sights set on basketball before realizing how high his potential in football would be.
Terrion Arnold is an explosive athlete who should test well at the NFL Combine. Arnold is a physical cornerback who started his career as a safety, and he is well-built for the position. He provides the safest floor among the top cornerback prospects.
The Minnesota Vikings could plug and play Terrion Arnold into their starting lineup on day one. His versatility and physicality would provide the Vikings with a chance of having their own premier shutdown cornerback in the league. Expect the Vikings to be heavily linked to Anrold throughout the NFL Combine.
Cooper DeJean (Iowa)
Cooper DeJean would be an excellent option for the Vikings to explore at the NFL Combine if they move on from Harrison Smith. He’s a versatile defensive back who can play anywhere in the secondary, including both safety spots. As far as the NFL Combine goes, scouts will be looking into his flexibility as a more dense prospect.
Cooper DeJean is a game-changer when facing the play in front of him, and his run-support skills align with the Viking’s defensive play style. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has shown creativity when scheming pressure with his defenders. Cooper DeJean would excel in a versatile downhill defense like Minnesota’s.
However, pick No. 11 might be too rich for a defender who didn’t play much man coverage in comparison to his peers. DeJean might be best when considering a trade back into the twenties, a move that would ignite the fan base with familiar angst.
DeJean won’t work out during the event, but he will get a chance to interview with teams over the course of the week.
Final Thoughts
The Vikings taking Terrion Arnold would be my choice if they went cornerback. Arnold may not make it out of the top 5 picks in any other year. His elite athleticism and love for physicality make him a menace in coverage. Arnold would start on day one for the Vikings and fill the role of premiere shutdown corner for many years to come.
The top of the draft is expected to be dominated by offense, thus pushing down the top defensive prospects. Lucky for the Vikings, they should have most, if not all, of these choices available if they choose to go cornerback in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via 247 Sports, Pro Football Focus, and Sports Reference CFB.
Excellent Corner, 27, Hints at Needing to Sign Elsewhere, Leaving the Door Ajar for the Vikings
Cody Spears‘ passion lies in evaluating NFL prospects and following their stories. He is currently going to school to be an HVAC Technician. Cody enjoys spending his time on road trips with his wife, Amanda, and son, Bentley. Cody and his family are super fans of the show “Survivor” on CBS. He is a future Sole Survivor. You can find his socials and his rookie rankings on his website, The Rookie Rush.