The Vikings’ Player No One is Talking About
Brett Peterson
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The Minnesota Vikings’ secondary will be revamped compared to last season. Minnesota added Patrick Peterson and brought back Mac Alexander to shore up their defensive backfield. The Vikings still have one of the best rookie defenders from last year in Cam Dantzler, but there is one rookie from last season that isn’t getting enough attention. And no, I am no talking about Jeff Gladney, he is already getting enough attention (not in a good way).
Second year corner Harrison Hand flew under the radar last season, as he only got playing time towards the end of last season. But Hand made many plays that didn’t get noticed by really anyone outside the organization. Hand was a fifth round pick out of Temple in the 2020 draft, and there was even talk about him maybe making the move to safety, similar to what the Vikings are doing with rookie Camryn Bynum. But the former Temple Owl made continuous strides as a corner in 2021, and he looks to continue to improve heading into this season. Hand was targeted 14 times last season, giving up nine catches for 138 yards and a touchdown. Hand also had one interception and two pass break-ups, which shows he has the ability to make plays on the ball. PFF was also impressed by Hand in 2020,
Those are impressive grades for a fifth round rookie. Hand also had the fifth best grade on the entire Vikings’ defense (min. 100 snaps). If Hand and emerging stud Cam Dantzler can continue to his upward trend, the Vikings’ have some very impressive young depth in the secondary. Hand will also have the help of Patrick Peterson in his second year as a pro. Hand is mostly an outside corner due to his size, so it certainly won’t hurt having a former All-Pro help show him the reigns on what it takes to be successful.
Hand also has what it takes to go against the best in the league. The rookie from last season demonstrated poise, and competitiveness going against the best of the best.
Jones, Adams, and Jones are all top notch wide receivers in this league, and Hand showed that he belonged. Hand shows great balance and technique in a majority of these clips, and he’s only going to get better. Harrison Hand is looked at highly within the Vikings’ organization and that is one of the main reasons they were comfortable dealing Mike Hughes for a bag of chips. Hand has a lot to work on, but if he can continue to improve, he will be in for a great 2021 season.