Past Draft Misses Still Reverberating Through Vikings Corner Room

Oct 30, 2021; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports.

Based on recent draft picks, the Vikings ought to have one of the deepest, most talented groups of NFL corners.

However, one of the main priorities for Minnesota during the 2022 offseason has been to address the corner position. Patrick Peterson was re-signed. Nate Hairston and Chandon Sullivan were brought in to compete for the slot corner spot. A second-round selection was used on Andrew Booth Jr. The combination of these moves alongside the talent already present – Cameron Dantzler, Kris Boyd, Harrison Hand – leave the Vikings with a mix of questions and answers among their corners.

The wild thing is that years of planning should have helped the franchise avoid this precise position. Instead of being a position of strength, though, it’s one of uncertainty. Steady vets are mixed with upside young fellas. How this all shakes out for the on-field performance is anyone’s guess.

Since 2013, Minnesota has made it a top priority to bring in high-end talent at corner. They deserve credit for recognizing the position’s importance. They deserve criticism for failing to retain all of that 1st- and 2nd-round talent. Take a look at the picks:

  • 2013: Xavier Rhodes, 25th
  • 2015: Trae Watnes, 11th
  • 2016: Mackensie Alexander, 54th
  • 2018: Mike Hughes, 30th
  • 2020: Jeff Gladney, 31st

In theory, Minnesota should have perhaps the deepest corner room in the NFL. In practice, they have one that’s among the most uncertain. It’s certainly plausible that they’re pretty strong in 2022, though it’s far from a guarantee. Missing on five highly-picked corners in less than 10 years has put the Vikings in a tough spot.

The corner example is a reminder past draft mistakes often have future consequences, even if it’s not immediately obvious.

Somewhat ironically, the new regime had to mimic the former regime in their approach to the 2022 draft. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell, Ed Donatell, and the rest of the Vikings’ leadership obviously made it a top priority to improve the secondary. A safety – Lewis Cine – was the first selection; a corner – Andrew Booth Jr. – was the second selection. If Cine and Booth work out, then Minnesota will obviously be in a much better position moving forward.

Much of the initial work for the current leadership group has rested in deciding what to undo and what to continue with when it comes to the roster. The corner situation was one that certainly needed help, and this draft’s focus on the position (don’t forget they spent a fourth on corner Akayleb Evans) can be connected to years of draft failure.

It’s a reminder that drafting and developing is still the best thing a team can do to ensure long-term success.



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