Count the Minnesota Vikings among many teams intrigued by Baylor cornerback Kalon Barnes, the fastest man in the 2022 NFL draft.
Per Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, the speedy defensive back is slated to visit with several teams, including the Vikings.
There are probably still people choking on his smoke after he lit up the rest of the competition at the NFL Combine with a 4.23 40 time—the fastest time ever posted by a defensive back.
Despite him being projected as a later-round pick, it wouldn’t be a surprise if a successful visit coupled with his historic 40 time doesn’t shake things up for him to potentially get selected a bit earlier.
Speed kills on the football field, and multiple teams, including the Vikings, are obviously intrigued with the potential damage he could do.
Kalon Barnes just made Combine history. 🙌
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/m54wl4qNXT
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2022
Granted, there are legitimate coverage concerns for him in the backfield. He has shown the tendency to lean too heavily on his God-given abilities, which can lead to him losing coverage sometimes.
Sure, he’s great at playing catch-up, but at the next level, when the coverage needs to be secure with quarterbacks placing passes in tight windows, things could get a little rocky.
Barnes is more intriguing as a possible gadget player and special teamer right out of the gates. He played both cornerback and receiver in high school. His speed could make him a versatile playmaker with the ball in his hands.
No, he isn’t someone who can necessarily step in and help a team right away. But with a little time and technique, he could be developed into quite the weapon on the football field.
