8. Cornerback
I think this young cornerback group could be better than it was in 2019, but part of the reason I think that is because that’s not really saying much.
The team saw starting cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes sign elsewhere, in addition to Mackensie Alexander, Minnesota’s slot corner.
Rhodes was lackluster for Minnesota last season, Waynes was OK and Alexander was a very solid nickel corner.
Due to the free agency losses at cornerback, some key contributors from 2019 such as Mike Hughes and Holton Hill will likely step up. Rookie corners Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler also have a chance to earn a large number of reps.
If Hughes and Hill can both stay on the field, in addition to Gladney being a quick study, then this group has potential to move up the rankings. But right now, it’s too hard to tell.