Pass defense hasn’t been the Vikings’ strength this season.
That will likely force Minnesota’s hand into drafting a cornerback in the early rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.
In The Ringer’s mock draft released on Wednesday, Danny Kelly has the Vikings selecting Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall with the 24th overall pick.
Here’s what Kelly wrote about the selection:
Vikings fans probably shudder at the thought of taking another corner in the first round, but with Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander both headed toward free agency and Xavier Rhodes struggling for much of the season, the team may need reinforcements. Hall missed most of 2019 with an ankle injury, but he’s long, instinctive in coverage, and aggressive as a tackler.
I don’t think Alexander and Waynes will leave the Vikings this upcoming offseason, but it would be a huge surprise if Rhodes was on the team. Rhodes, who is already seeing his playing time dwindle, is due $10.5 million next season but the Vikings can cut ties with him for $4.8 million.