2021 Position Recap: Cornerbacks

2 pressing questions for 2022

1.Can Dantzler make the next jump?

Dantzler has had some moments of brilliance as well as some less luminary plays that seemed to undercut his status.

With Peterson and Alexander eligible to become free agents and Breeland already jettisoned, the Vikings might need Dantzler to establish more consistency in his play.

2. Will the first round tempt again?

The Vikings believe they’ll be in position to avoid a full rebuild, but they’ll be doing so without recent investments of high picks.

Trae Waynes, a 2015 first-round pick, departed after the Vikings utilized their fifth-year option on him in 2019. He’s been banged up since joining the Bengals and has played sparingly on special teams this postseason.

Mike Hughes, a first-round pick in 2018 who dealt with multiple injuries here, was traded to the Chiefs in May along with a 2022 seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-round selection. Hughes has had highs and lows since joining Kansas City.

Jeff Gladney, a first-round pick in 2020, was released in August after a grand jury indicted him on assault charges.

That’s three of the Vikings past seven first-round picks that have been used on cornerbacks and none who remain with the team.

With Minnesota projected to be against the salary cap, the Vikings might have to bolster the position through the draft instead of free agency. Some experts think that another first-round pick could be used on a cornerback this year.