Leading in to the 2020 NFL draft the Minnesota Vikings had a large and obvious need at corner. After losing three starting cornerbacks with a combined 16 years of experience depth in the position was lacking. So, with the 31st pick in the 2020 draft the Minnesota Vikings selected Jeff Gladney out of TCU hoping to solve their corner problems.
Jeff Gladney Could Solve Vikings Corner Issues
What Did Minnesota Lose?
During the off-season Minnesota’s exodus at the corner position left them with Mike Hughes and Holton Hill as starting corners. The Vikings cut 3x Pro Bowler and first-round pick in 2013 Xavier Rhodes in the off-season after two consecutive disappointing seasons. Though underwhelming in 2019, the Vikings have lost a wealth of experience in Rhodes who was viewed as a top corner before the 2018 season. Rhodes was a 2017 first-team All-Pro with Minnesota but will continue his future with the Indianapolis Colts after signing a one-year deal worth $3 million dollars.
Also, the Vikings lost duo Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes to the Cincinnati Bengals in the off-season. First round pick in 2015, Waynes signed a three-year, $42 million dollar deal with the Bengals. Waynes didn’t meet expectations in his last two season in Minnesota struggling to cope on the outside for long periods of the 2019 season. Alexander signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Cincinnati after ending the 2019 season with a knee injury in week 17,. The Vikings declined resigning the former second round selection.
Jeff Gladney’s College Career
The Minnesota Vikings selected Justin Jefferson with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 draft so corner still remained an issue when Vikings were back on the clock at pick 25. However, the Vikings picked up extra draft capital and traded the 25th pick to the San Francisco 49ers. So, with the 31st pick in the 2020 draft Minnesota filled the obvious hole in the secondary as they selected TCU corner Jeff Gladney.
Jeff Gladney featured heavily during his time at TCU especially in his final year where he played in 712 defensive snaps. 387 of these snaps Gladney was deployed in coverage and allowed 27 receptions on 58 targets. 2018 was Gladney’s best season came in 2018 where he only allowed one touchdown and got two interceptions. During his collegiate career Gladney showed his promise as a press corner with his footwork and demonstrated how his speed makes him difficult to beat on the deep ball.
The Perfect Fit?
Jeff Gladney fits perfectly in Minnesota’s defense. Combining athleticism and aggressiveness Gladney could play any type of defensive scheme. Although, Gladney’s ability to play man coverage will attract Mike Zimmer as that is the Vikings preference. Gladney’s versatility as both an outside and slot corner provides the Texas native an opportunity to contribute early in the Vikings secondary.
Minnesota needed corners with only two obvious starters heading in to the draft. Mike Hughes still has his injury issues but is still young at 23. Holton Hill only played 8 games last season but may play a bigger role in the 2020 season. Alongside draft picks Cameron Dantzler, Harrison Hand and Jeff Gladney the Vikings have rebuilt the cornerback depth chart and have infused a much needed youthfulness to the Vikings secondary.
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