Vikings training camp is well underway, and one of the players garnering the most praise so far has been a rookie corner.
Cameron Dantzler has intercepted Kirk Cousins, broke up a pass intended for Adam Thielen and picked up praise from Thielen and Vikings coach Mike Zimmer.
You can’t forget about the corner the Vikings drafted before Dantzler, either. Jeff Gladney is also competing for spots in training camp. It should be interesting competition, considering the youth movement at Minnesota’s cornerback position right now.
Touchdown Wire has taken notice. The outlet listed Dantzler and Gladney as Minnesota’s training camp names to watch. Here’s what it said about the choice:
“The Vikings went with a full-scale change this offseason, letting (Xaiver) Rhodes, (Trae) Waynes, and slot defender Mackensie Alexander walk via free agency and selecting TCU’s Jeff Gladney in the first round, (and) Mississippi State’s Cameron Dantzler in the third. Gladney has the speed and movement skills to trail and limit downfield receivers, and Dantzler has a similar profile as a smaller, quicker defender who can make things tough against vertical passing games.”
Dantzler maybe seemed like a project at first due to his weight, but the rookie has impressed in camp. Gladney hasn’t gotten as much hype, but could still be a nice slot corner for the Vikings, maybe even working his way out wide eventually.