With the 102nd overall and final pick on day two of the 2023 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected USC CB Mekhi Blackmon. They moved back 15 spots and still got the player that they wanted, as no cornerbacks went between 87 and 102.
In taking Blackmon, they prioritized the 21st-ranked cornerback on Arif Hasan’s consensus board, which felt weird. He has talent and you can see why the Vikings took him.
Quick thoughts after watching a game of Mekhi Blackmon
-Stays in phase with receiver
-Has athleticism to react, but gets out of position. Needs to stay patient
-Doesn't panic when he gets out of position
-Not quite seeing the feistiness?Tools to work with, but he's a project
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) April 29, 2023
In looking at the pick, the value for me is the toughest part to quantify. He’s a talented player and you can see that on film, but you are also drafting a 24-year-old project. That’s a little bit confusing, especially since better players were also a scheme fit at that spot.
I believe you have to trust this staff, especially defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who likely had a big say in this pick. I’ll trust the staff, but it’s disappointing when you consider the value.
Grade: B-
