Minnesota saw a mass exodus in free agency, specifically at the cornerback position.
The Vikings lost Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, all of whom were big contributors on the team in 2019.
Minnesota went about replacing some of the lost talent with draft picks. It will probably rely on rookies and younger reserves in order to find success at corner next season.
Bleacher Report thinks Minnesota might come to regret that decision. The outlet listed revamping the cornerback room as the team’s biggest regret that it should have for the 2020 season. Here’s what they said about the choice:
“Gone are Xavier Rhodes, Mackensie Alexander and Trae Waynes. In their places are rookie corner Jeff Gladney and third-year corner Mike Hughes, who has appeared in just 20 games because of injuries.
While they may prove to be capable starters in time, there’s no guarantee that they replace quality contributors like Alexander and Rhodes, who has made three Pro Bowls and earned an All-Pro selection.”
Sure, the young cornerbacks may need some time to adjust to a big role in the NFL, but Rhodes wasn’t exactly in his prime in 2019. Waynes was serviceable, but probably not worth what the Bengals gave him.
Overall, I think the Vikings may actually be better at corner than they used to be. With Anthony Harris solidified for 2020, barring a trade or injury, and Harrison Smith back deep with him, the corners at least have safeties who care capable of minimizing some of the mistakes they may make.