The Minnesota Vikings have a thing for former USC Trojans.
After taking USC wide receiver Jordan Addison, the Vikings traded down to the end of the third round before taking USC cornerback Mekhi Blackmon with the 102nd overall pick.
In trading down 15 spots, the Vikings gained picks 164 and 222, giving them five more selections for the remainder of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Blackmon began his career at Colorado, where he played four seasons. In 2021, he was an All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention, finishing with five pass deflections and one interception. Blackmon transferred to USC for his final season.
Blackmon was ranked 185th overall, according to Pro Football Network’s consensus big board. He was also ranked as the CB21 in the class.
While the pick might be considered a “reach” by the consensus big board, it’s clear the Vikings were higher on him than the industry was. Here are five reasons why the Vikings were likely higher on Blackmon.
His story
Few cornerbacks in this class have had a similar journey to Mekhi Blackmon.
While some players were highly-touted high school recruits, Blackmon was the literal opposite. According to 247Sports’ rankings, Blackmon was an unranked recruit and went overlooked by most Division 1 football programs.
As a result, Blackmon began his college career at the College of San Mateo, a junior college in California. He was a full-time cornerback there, a position he’s only played since 2017, and helped lead the school to their winningest season.
After one season, Blackmon earned a late offer to join Colorado, where he saw some immediate playing time. However, Blackmon didn’t become a full-time starter until his third season after redshirting for his sophomore year.
After three seasons as a full-time starter, Blackmon entered the transfer portal and committed to USC, where he played under head coach Lincoln Riley. He was also a teammate of Jordan Addison, the Vikings’ first-round selection.
Athleticism
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s draft history has made it clear that he will prioritize athleticism, particularly acceleration when selecting players.
Although Mekhi Blackmon didn’t run a blazing-fast 40-yard dash, he did post good splits, headlined by a 1.47-second 10-yard split.
Mekhi Blackmon was drafted with pick 102 of round 3 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 7.44 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 570 out of 2222 CB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/sfsQfGKQO0 pic.twitter.com/4vfYT5on7G
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 29, 2023
On the field, Blackmon showcases that same short-area athleticism in coverage. He’s fluid when transitioning in man coverage, allowing him to up with wide receivers, even if they’re often faster than him.
During the Senior Bowl, Blackmon had a solid rep against Green Bay Packer draftee Jayden Reed and forced an incompletion.
Michigan State WR Jayden Reed vs USC Mekhi Blackmon in redzone 1-on-1s.
A rare loss at the LOS for Reed.@JetNation @seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/cQvHvLx4NJ
— Dylan Tereman (@DTereman) February 3, 2023
While Blackmon won’t wow people with his long speed, his acceleration should help him keep up with NFL receivers.
Aggressiveness
I know it’s a cliche, but Blackmon has that dawg in him.
Whenever Blackmon is on the field, he’s not afraid to get aggressive and make plays. Unfortunately, that’s both a gift and a curse for Blackmon, who could get on the wrong side of referees and draw some penalties.
When the aggressiveness works in his favor, it’s hard not like what he brings. In press-man coverage, Blackmon can disrupt receivers and knock them off their base, delaying their routes.
Pick 166: Mekhi Blackmon CB USC
Instinctive, feisty CB that has ball production and competes on every level. Athleticism should translate as a slot or boundary CB and has versatility in multiple coverages.
Needs to control his hands at the top of routes but love the demeanor. pic.twitter.com/6kYE0oqBCU
— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) April 24, 2023
This aggressiveness is necessary for Blackmon. At 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds, Blackmon is undersized for the wide receiver position. As a result, he needs to find other ways to impact the game in press-man coverage, meaning Blackmon has to be more physical than the wide receiver.
Man coverage skills
Brian Flores loves cornerbacks who succeed in man coverage, and Blackmon is just that.
At USC, Blackmon held his own against wide receivers in man coverage, flipping his hips and using his athleticism to track with wide receivers.
Mekhi Blackmon (USC)
My guy at CB. The only player with a top 5 PFF grade in both man and zone coverage in this class. He's undersized which is why he's being overlooked but It didn't pop up on tape much. Could be a steal early on day 3. pic.twitter.com/OX3lYNMzke— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) April 27, 2023
While Blackmon’s technique isn’t perfect, he’s constantly trying to get in the right position, which helps him stay in the play. There were very few times on tape that Blackmon was entirely out of position, which is half the battle in the NFL. Even if he struggles with the finer techniques, Blackmon will contribute immediately at the next level.
Versatility
Flores’ entire defense is built on versatility. Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland moved all over the field, including slot cornerback, under Flores, and cornerback Nik Needham played inside and out under Flores.
Blackmon will likely be able to play a similar role as Needham, especially if his college tape is any indication.
Blackmon normally operated on the boundary last season but also saw his fair share of snaps in the slot. When he played inside, Blackmon was a feisty player who made contributions in the run game, though it was inconsistent.
Given that Blackmon will likely need to earn his playing time, this versatility should help him find the field more often. If the Vikings want to kick Byron Murphy to the outside, Blackmon will likely be able to kick inside and play his fair share of snaps in the slot. The same could be said if a boundary cornerback suffers an injury or struggles.
Regarding his long-term future, Blackmon will likely see the slot as his primary position.
