The Minnesota Vikings are a dangerous team in the NFC. They are currently 10-4 and one game behind the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North. The two teams will matchup in Week 16 in the biggest game of the season for both sides. Minnesota will have to figure out their secondary if they want to do damage in the postseason.
Xavier Rhodes injured his left calf during the second quarter of the Vikings' Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He returned in the second half but even at full strength Rhodes has been different. The former All-Pro has not looked like himself and this has forced other players to step up. Trae Waynes starts opposite Rhodes in the secondary. Mike Hughes and Holton Hill have also seen snaps this season.
Rhodes' poor play has forced a carousel-like rotation at corner. This could cause Minnesota to look at secondary help in the draft. They will pick late in the first round and Stanford product Paulson Adebo could be their selection.
Adebo played two seasons at corner for Stanford. He had four interceptions in each of his two seasons as a starter. At 6'1, his size will transfer well into the professional game.
At Stanford, Adebo used his length well to shut down receivers. He has long arms that help against taller receivers and he uses his hands well to counter release techniques. One of Adebo's best attributes is his physicality. The Stanford product is not afraid to jam receivers at the line in press-man coverage and is a willing tackler.
Adebo is the complete package when you pair physicality with his intelligence. He is a patient defender who is not out of position much. The one downside with Adebo is his experience. He did not see much time on the field during his freshman season. Scouts fear that his inexperience will get exposed at the next level. This has dropped his stock into the late first and possibly second round.
This is good news for the Vikings. Mike Zimmer is a defensive head coach and one of the toughest in the game. Adebo is a player that can flourish in the right system and who better to learn under than Zimmer? The Vikings have an identity in place of being a strong defensive team. They are well-coached and have the personnel on the field to be successful for years to come.
There is no better landing spot for a young cornerback than the Vikings.
Follow Us
Subscribe