The Vikings had an eventful night one of the NFL Draft, and it seems to have played out in their favor.
After selecting one of the best players available at 22, Justin Jefferson, the Vikings decided to trade out of their 25th overall pick by giving it to the 49ers, in exchange for the 31st, 117th and 176th draft choices.
With the 31st overall pick, the Vikings selected TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney. After acquiring an additional fourth and fifth round pick, it seems as if the Vikings strategy paid off.
Gladney plays with physicality at the cornerback position and his strong suit is man coverage. He seems to be a good fit for a team led by Mike Zimmer, bringing good length, quick feet and his scrappy style of play with him to Minnesota.
After losing Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander, it was clear the Vikings had to address the cornerback position in the earlier rounds of the draft. Not only did they address the need with one of the top corners in this draft class, but they also did so while acquiring more draft capital for Rick Spielman to move around with over the next two days.
Although Zimmer has now used another first round pick on the cornerback position, it helps fill a massive hole for the Vikings defense. It was uncertain who the top corners were in this class after Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson, but Gladney has the chance to be in the same tier as them at the next level.
Grade: A
