When the Minnesota Vikings take a look at their roster this offseason, there is clearly a need for a cornerback. In the latest mock draft from SB Nation’s Mark Schofield, he has the Vikings fulfilling this need by taking Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III.
“The Minnesota Vikings need to address the defensive side of the ball in this draft.
Buy Vikings TicketsDespite a number of investments in the secondary in recent years, including Andrew Booth Jr. in the second round a year ago, cornerback remains a concern in Minnesota. Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III gives this secondary a big boost. Phillips has fantastic change-of-direction skills, and can play sticky man coverage, but also can function well in zone coverage designs. His interception against Oregon is a prime example of his zone-coverage skills, as he starts in the slot, but jumps underneath a hitch route on the outside and takes it the other way.
His feel for the game, particularly when in man coverage, is another strength. His interception against Arizona State – where he starts in off-man and reads a stop route to perfection – is a great example of his technique and awareness.”
The Vikings would greatly benefit from taking a corner in what is a very loaded cornerback class. Should they be able to nab Phillips, it’ll add potential and youth to a bare cornerback room.
