The cornerback position looks disastrous for the Minnesota Vikings. It wasn’t great in 2023 as the entire room struggled at times but the defensive scheme implemented by Brian Flores helped cover for their struggles. That scheme helped the Vikings have the 13th-ranked total defense and 17th-ranked scoring defense in the National Football League.
Just in the month of July, the Vikings lost Khyree Jackson to a tragic car accident and Mekhi Blackmon tore his ACL on the first day of training camp. Both of those players were expected to be contenders for serious playing time in the Vikings' cornerback rotation with the latter potentially earning a starting job.
On Monday, the Vikings signed cornerback/safety Bobby McCain and waived kicker John Parker Romo to help fortify the room. It was a strong signal that the Vikings believe in rookie sixth-round kicker Will Reichard and a stronger one that they aren’t satisfied with the cornerback room and defensive back room as a whole.
The outside cornerback spot is in a tough spot right now but they might have an internal option on the roster.
Jay Ward should get more practice time at cornerback
Coming out of LSU, Jay Ward was an interesting player. He was announced as a safety when the Vikings selected him with the 135th selection in the fourth round but it wasn’t the only position that he played.
During his senior season at LSU, Ward was playing all over the field during his 634 snaps.
- Slot corner: 230
- Outside corner: 178
- Box safety: 108
- Free safety: 105
- Defensive line: 13
Having versatility everywhere is likely the reason why the Vikings were so intrigued with Ward. It’s something that Flores covets on his defenses and why the Vikings targeted versatility this offseason. The likes of Dallas Turner, Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are all examples of that being a priority.
Ward didn’t spend much time at outside corner when you look at his overall snap count (28.0%) but he did play most of the final three games on the outside. Taking a look at the film, it’s obvious that Ward has the chops to play on the outside if necessary.
- Fluid hips to turn upfield with vertical threats
- Size and length to maximize himself at the catch point
He was successful on the outside as well. Against Texas A&M, Georgia, and Purdue, Ward played 103 snaps on the outside. During those games, he allowed:
- 9 targets
- 5 catches
- 59 yards
- 2 YAC
- 1 touchdown
The above numbers don’t scream dominant outside cornerback, especially with the small sample size. However, there are some talented players that he went up against during that process. Brock Bowers, Ladd McConkey, Evan Stewart and Moose Muhammad III. Against Georgia he was incredibly impressive, especially in a game where the Bulldogs won 50-30. In that game where the Tigers' defense got shredded, Ward allowed just two catches for 13 yards and a touchdown.
With where the Vikings currently are at cornerback and safety, adding a player like Ward to the competition would be a smart move. He is currently the fifth safety on the depth chart and getting him more reps on the field would be a major benefit for the Vikings. He would also be a welcome addition to the competition.
Right now, Byron Murphy Jr., Shaquill Griffin and Akayleb Evans are the likely starters. Andrew Booth Jr., Duke Shelley and UDFA Dwight McGlothern are also competing for both roster spots and depth chart positioning. Ward doesn’t have to compete just at outside cornerback but could be an option for the Vikings in the slot which would allow Murphy to stay on the outside.
Over the last three training camp practices, the Vikings have gotten Ward into the cornerback competition. He has been running with the twos for the last three days of training camp practice. The results have been mixed so far, but getting Ward time at cornerback is good for him and the team.
Going forward, the Vikings would be smart to keep him at cornerback throughout the duration of training camp.
Local Minneapolis, MN
Most Popular
Comments / 0