Vikings Secondary Is Still Considered a Problem

Given that a mass exodus in the 2020 offseason, the Vikings’ secondary is a big issue. The 3 starting off cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander, all left in totally free agency and signed with unique groups. What was remaining was the damage-prone Mike Hughes and Kris Boyd.

Former typical supervisor Rick Spielman tried to take care of the cornerback home by way of the draft when he picked Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler in the very first and 3rd spherical, respectively. However, the secondary struggled severely.

The Vikings tried to repair it in absolutely free agency previous calendar year. Veterans Patrick Peterson and Beshaud Breeland signed with the purple workforce. Yet another transform was the departure of basic safety Anthony Harris and the signing of Xavier Woods. When once again, the secondary struggled. In the third consecutive yr, the Vikings invested closely into their group of defensive backs.

The very first two draft picks of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s vocation were being defensive backs. He chosen Lewis Cine in the initial round and Andrew Booth in the second. One more decide was Akayleb Evans in the fourth round. He also re-signed Patrick Peterson and introduced in Chandon Sullivan and Nate Hairston.

Vikings Secondary Ranked 26th

Sharp Soccer Evaluation dropped a ranking of all secondaries in the NFL, and the Vikings checked in as 26th, a pedestrian ranking for the device just after all the investments. The purple group is trapped between the Jaguars and the Seahawks.

The rating is based mostly on the voting of personnel writers from Sharp Football Examination. They described, “Patrick Peterson and Harrison Smith should really give some stability for the secondary, but neither is actively playing at their peak. The results of this unit will ultimately be determined by rookies Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth, who will right away be thrust into pivotal roles.”

It will be intriguing to see how a lot the two veterans have left in the tank. Very last year, Smith however performed at an elite degree, although Peterson by now shed a action and performed like an ordinary cornerback. Opponents are nonetheless hesitant to goal the veteran. He offers veteran management and balance to the placement.

Essential Rookies?

What is incorrect is that the rookies will establish achievements. Neither of the rookies could get started. Cameron Dantzler is functioning absent with the 2nd exterior cornerback job after a marvelous camp. The other rookie Lewis Cine is however behind Camryn Bynum. Just like Dantzler, Bynum is getting an remarkable summer season. Dantzler and Bynum have by now proven what they’re capable of, but neither was dependable to enjoy a essential position less than the previous routine. Now, they will get their chances.

Akayleb Evans could be a darkish-horse contributor as a rookie. He had a fantastic activity against the 49ers in the second preseason game and even led the Vikings in tackles. Consequently, the complete coaching staff members and Adofo-Mensah are raving about his talent. The 3 rookies could absolutely raise the ceiling.

The unit need to be enhanced and even has a high ceiling. What will assist them come nearer to the ceiling is the go hurry. Adding Za’Darius Smith and a wholesome Danielle Hunter will operate miracles for a secondary. They instantly do not have to address their receiver for 5 seconds on each participate in due to the fact a single of the two possible Professional Bowlers is pressuring the passer.

Vikings Encounter Prime Group Early

The largest rivals of the Vikings, and the Week 1 opponent, the Inexperienced Bay Packers, are ranked 1st. The secondary is great. Jaire Alexander comes again from damage and is 1 of the elite cornerbacks. Eric Stokes, a 2021 very first-spherical decide on, and Rasul Douglas, a astonishing riser of the 2021 time, are among the very best cornerback trios in the league. Security Adrian Amos is an on a yearly basis underrated participant. The sturdy device will be examined in 7 days 1 when they experience Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and K.J. Osborn in the new Vikings’ scheme.

Janik Eckardt is a soccer enthusiast who likes quantities and stats. The Vikings grew to become his most loved workforce in spite of their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a going for walks soccer encyclopedia, enjoys observing sitcoms, and Vintage rock is his tunes style of selection. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt

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