MINNESOTA NEWS:Part Three: The Vikings’ Future: Cornerbacks…
An in-depth examination at the Vikings’ youthful defensive back corps and the future at a crucial position
PURPLE INSIDER MATTHEW COLLERAGO 57 MINUTES
Welcome to our series “Future of the Vikings,” which examines the 2023 performance of every player on the Vikings roster as well as their future plans. In Part 3, we examined the cornerbacks closely. The whole squad consisted of youthful athletes, and they all had stumbles and flashes. Let’s go straight forward.
Byron Murphy, Jr.
It’s difficult to put the former Cardinal’s influence on the Vikings secondary in numbers on paper. He placed 60th out of 80 cornerbacks with at least 600 snaps according to PFF’s grading. Murphy Jr. allowed a 102.0 QB rating on passes into his coverage (ranked 56th), and he had the highest rate of missed tackles in the entire league. In addition, he had a high attack rate (finished 49th in snaps per target) and a low play-making % (ranked 68th in “forced incompletion” percentage).
Why, therefore, did it seem like he was a significant improvement over cornerbacks from the recent past? 185 of his 715 yards allowed in one game (the Week 3 matchup against the Chargers) might be one factor. In addition, he was outstanding in the game against Cincinnati when he was injured and the secondary fell apart in his absence. That game against Atlanta was one of the season’s highlights.
In general, the Vikings should be happy with their offseason decision to sign Murphy to a two-year, $17.5 million deal, and they should anticipate that he will start for them the next year. He will have a $10.9 million cap charge, but if the club needs more room, they may turn his basic pay into a signing bonus.
Evans Akayleb
The second-year corner ended with a PFF grade of 71st out of 80 cornerbacks, third-worst in missed tackle %, and a QB rating allowed of 60th. However, what’s odd about those figures is how drastically different they are from Weeks 1 through 15. Evans would have had a good debut season as a starter if he had finished 42nd overall before the last three games of the season. He had numerous benchings and finished dead last in the last three competitions.
It’s difficult to pinpoint precisely what transpired. Perhaps having to play without Murphy Jr. affected his role, or perhaps he was tired after playing for the longest season of his career. In any event, he sometimes shown enough to believe he can improve on 2023, but he also revealed enough flaws to believe the problem does not lie with him.
Evans’ rookie contract is good for two more seasons.
Mekhi Blackmon
Just two rookie corners with at least 300 plays played and a PFF coverage grade higher than Blackmon’s were present. His tackling grade was the only one within 14 points of him.
Blackmon was among the top rookies in the NFL this season at his position, despite a few embarrassing moments, such as being Mossed by Courtland Sutton of Denver. He played 434 plays in a rotating position, giving up only an 87.8 QB rating on passes into his coverage. Among first-year corners, he had the fifth-highest number of pass breakups (8).
Blackmon is most likely seen by the Vikings as a crucial component of their future.
Mekhi Blackmon, Byron Murphy, Akayleb Evans, and NaJee Thompson
Mekhi Blackmon, Byron Murphy, Akayleb Evans, and NaJee Thompson
Photo by permission of the Minnesota Vikings
Andrew Booth, Jr.
Considering that Ed Donatell, the person who selected the 2022 draft class, had a completely different system and playing style than current DC Brian Flores, is something to consider. Booth Jr. can meet the description of a player for whom the club had high expectations in the past but who is now unfit. Booth Jr. played on the second team throughout OTAs and training camp and saw the field for more than 20 plays on three different times from Day 1. He did not have any serious problems in the few plays he had, allowing four completions on eight targets for 30 yards.
When Booth Jr. enters a make-or-break 2023 camp, the issue is whether he can modify his own style of play to suit Flores’ requirements.
Williams, Joejuan
After starting for over half of training camp, the former Patriots draft selection was released and signed to the practice squad. The Bears selected him in the middle of the season. After they let him free, the Vikings returned with him. An incredible journey in only one year. Williams played 48 snaps as a Viking in total. In the one game in which he saw substantial playing time, he struggled tremendously against the Lions.
Williams will have to compete for a position on the practice squad for the next season, even if his name was on the list of players signed back.
Williams Jaylin
After spending the most of the season on the practice squad due to injuries, the undrafted free agent played in 24 games. Williams joined the practice squad for the next season.
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Thompson NaJee
Getting ready for boot camp Except for special teams coordinator Matt Daniels, Thompson was unknown, yet he ended up playing a big role in the punt coverage group. With a PFF rating well above average, he played 193 special teams snaps. Thompson will play a significant role in the special teams coverage coming into the upcoming campaign.
Options for free agency
It’s a given that some clubs will re-sign their free players, but these are the biggest names in free agency as usual. After a stellar season, Jaylon Johnson, the class’s CB1, has shown a desire to remain with the Bears. There are a few reliable starters from the shallow pool of available corners if he stays in Chi-Town.
There is a separate middle class, which makes the cornerback position distinctive in terms of price tags. Although the top three CBs earn $20 million or more year, 12 veterans have contracts worth $10–$15 million, and 14 have contracts worth $5–$10 million.
Therefore, unless the Vikings are targeting the top three or four players, it won’t break the bank if they want to try their hand at acquiring a veteran. Do they intend to add at the corner? Depending on how much they think the young guys can provide depth behind Murphy Jr. and Blackmon, that will vary. The club may only search the bargain bin if they believe Evans and Booth Jr. are good backup alternatives for the starters. But this unit lacks a difference maker, and if Harrison Smith departs, it may have a cascading impact. If Metellus plays the Smith part, it may force Murphy Jr. into the slot more often.
preliminary choices
Like the defensive line, the Vikings’ consideration of a first-round cornerback is contingent upon their performance at quarterback. Drafting a corner would become a viable option with Kirk Cousins back. Although the defensive line should undoubtedly be more in need, the Vikings may take a look at a guy in the middle of the first round from a very talented group if they don’t find a Sauce Gardner or Jalen Ramsey type.
The top players according to the Mock Draft Database are as follows:
Despite some setbacks along the road, the top three cornerbacks for the Vikings in terms of snap count in 2023 were all under 26 years old. Overall, they all seemed to be long-term contributors in Minnesota. That does not imply that the CB room is ready. The club should not be hesitant to look for a real CB1 or a good experienced starter who would be an instant boost since there are still enough unanswered issues with Murphy Jr., Blackmon, and Evans.
Despite some setbacks along the road, the top three cornerbacks for the Vikings in terms of snap count in 2023 were all under 26 years old. Overall, they all seemed to be long-term contributors in Minnesota. That does not imply that the CB room is ready. The club should not be hesitant to look for a real CB1 or a good experienced starter who would be an instant boost since there are still enough unanswered issues with Murphy Jr., Blackmon, and Evans.
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