The Vikings took cornerback Jeff Gladney with the 31st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Minnesota traded back, but still managed to find a physical corner who fits Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme well.
Matt Bowen, an NFL analyst for ESPN, was a fan of the pick. He recently said that Gladney was his favorite pick in an ESPN article where various analysts listed favorite picks and debated storylines surrounding the draft.
Here’s what he said:
Give me a cornerback with an ultracompetitive playing style. You can win with that. Gladney’s aggressive coverage traits, toughness and ball production are an easy fit for coach Mike Zimmer’s defense. I can’t wait to watch him play in Minnesota.
I have heard a lot about Gladney’s aggressive style of play, which will be exciting to see. I think at worst, he’s probably the Vikings’ nickel corner next season, and he might even be one of the team’s starters out wide.
