What can the Vikings expect out of first-round pick Jeff Gladney? 

Jeff Gladney is a tough, physical corner who can bring a lot to the table for the Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings desperately needed help at the cornerback position heading into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the departures of Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes, it was clear the team had to address the position early on in the draft.   

With their 31st overall selection, the Vikings landed cornerback Jeff Gladney out of TCU. After watching the defense not look the same in 2020, Mike Zimmer needed to land a good scheme fit in the secondary early on in this class. 

Gladney brings with him to Minnesota a physical style of play. Standing at 5’10, Gladney isn’t the ideal size for the position, but his long arms make up for it. He shows no fear in going up against the bigger wide receivers and has shown that he can make plays on the outside. 

Denzel Mims was one of the most athletic receivers in this draft class, and he had some high praise for Gladney in an interview with Justin Melo from the Draft Wire. 

“The best cornerback I ever went up against actually played in my conference. That would be Jeff Gladney from TCU,” Mims told Melo. “Jeff Gladney is a top-two cornerback in this draft class. I honestly think he’s actually the best corner in this class period.” 

Mims was drafted in the second round by the New York Jets. His size, speed and elite performance at the Senior Bowl had him skyrocket up draft boards, ultimately landing him with the Jets. 

“I think Jeff Gladney was one of the best players in college football. He’s tough, he’s physical. He has that dog mentality,” Mims said. “He’s a little on the shorter side, but he’s a long guy. He has those long arms. He’s very aggressive. He’s just a great overall player. Of course he can run, you already knew that. He’s the best corner, in my opinion.” 

His physicality jumps out on tape the most, but he is great in coverage as well. He plays with quick feet, good ball skills and his long arms help him eliminate throwing windows. His willingness to come downhill and lay the big hits should remind Vikings fans of one of the best cornerbacks to ever play in purple, Antoine Winfield. 

The Vikings beefed up their secondary throughout the entire draft process, but Gladney should be looked at as one of the top corners in this class. Pairing him, and the Vikings third round pick Cameron Dantzler, with Mike Hughes and Holton Hill injects talented and youthful players into the team’s secondary. Not to mention they have one of the league’s best safety tandems in Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris behind them.

It might take a year or two for the secondary to emerge, but Zimmer now has the tools he needs to build something great.