The Minnesota Vikings have a thing for former USC Trojans.
After taking USC wide receiver Jordan Addison, the Vikings traded down to the end of the third round before taking USC cornerback Mekhi Blackmon with the 102nd overall pick.
In trading down 15 spots, the Vikings gained picks 164 and 222, giving them five more selections for the remainder of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Blackmon began his career at Colorado, where he played four seasons. In 2021, he was an All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention, finishing with five pass deflections and one interception. Blackmon transferred to USC for his final season.
Blackmon was ranked 185th overall, according to Pro Football Network’s consensus big board. He was also ranked as the CB21 in the class.
While the pick might be considered a “reach” by the consensus big board, it’s clear the Vikings were higher on him than the industry was. Here are five reasons why the Vikings were likely higher on Blackmon.