Bleacher Report has the Vikings going cornerback in latest mock draft
The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the offseason with a need at the cornerback position. On Monday following the Super Bowl, Bleacher Report’s scouting department released a mock draft that had the Vikings taking South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith.
“How long are the Minnesota Vikings going to rely on veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson? Peterson is a pending free agent. Besides, he turns 33 before the start of the 2023 campaign. Maybe it’s time to move on and find a younger, fresher option to serve as one of the team’s outside corners. Minnesota’s other top corner, Chandon Sullivan, happens to be a free agent as well. Even if one or both return, secondary help is a necessity in Minnesota.
South Carolina’s Cam Smith is a smooth cover option to bolster the group and give it options.
“The second-team All-SEC performer is an instinctual cornerback with high football intellect and outstanding athleticism,” Giddings said. “Smith does a great job of staying low out of his breaks, showing great closing speed and presents excellent timing regarding potential pass break-ups.
“Smith has been a top cornerback in the SEC for the last two seasons and will be added to the mix alongside Andrew Booth Jr., who will be returning from a season-ending knee injury, with the hopes of replacing Peterson.”
Over the long haul, a trio of Smith, Booth and first-round safety Lewis Cine presents a promising secondary.”
You can’t argue with the logic that the Bleacher Report lays out. The Vikings need depth at the position and a cornerstone player at the position. By drafting Smith, they would have a good chance of securing that position for the next half-decade.
