The upcoming NFL Draft presents an opportunity for the Minnesota Vikings to address their cornerback position. Despite the acquisition of Byron Murphy Jr., only Andrew Booth Jr. and Akayleb Evans remain behind him. Fortunately, cornerback is one of the deepest classes in the draft, providing hope for the Vikings.
Curt Popejoy of Draft Wire recently released his latest three-round mock draft. In the first round, he had the Vikings selecting Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks.
Banks is a physical and fluid corner whose style of play fits perfectly with new defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ desired cornerback profile. While Banks tends to get grabby at times, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise impressive skill set.
Later in Popejoy’s mock draft, he had the Vikings select Georgia safety Christopher Smith III. Smith is a versatile safety who has demonstrated his ability to line up all over the field. He also showcased his willingness to defend against the run during his college career.
Adding Banks and Smith with the Vikings’ first two picks would provide Flores with more versatile defenders, improving a defense that was lackluster last season.
