Minnesota Vikings Seeking Secondary Help in 2015 NFL Draft

By Ben Ryan | Mar 1, 2015

The Minnesota Vikings are without a doubt in need of both offense and defense. While the offense seems to be at almost desperate measures, there’s a plentiful amount of players they could possibly go after in the free agency pool.

With that said, let’s say they make some smart moves over the offseason. While there’s possibility they could sign a wide receiver or running back; possibly Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith and/or running back DeAngelo Williams with the departure of Adrian Peterson. If they pulled a move like this, they could afford to draft some defense in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

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In the 2014 season, the Vikings allowed 344.7 total yards per game, 223.2 of those yards came through the air and 121.4 from the ground. The rushing defense was listed as 25^th in the league, passing yards were ranked 7^th.

A smart move with their 11^th overall pick in the 2015 draft would be to get someone who can make an immediate impact in the secondary, only if they make free agency moves during the offseason. Going in on a safety that can team up with Harrison Smith would be a deadly duo; it would be smart of the Viking’s to get someone who can stop those big receivers in the backfield.

Xavier Rhodes proved himself to be a number one cornerback, as he shutdown a good amount of great receivers throughout the season. Unfortunately for the Vikes, after Rhodes, the cornerbacks are almost a lost cause. Going with a cornerback with the first pick would not be a bad decision whatsoever.

If they draft a defensive player, it’s almost a guarantee that the player will start from day one.

Let’s look at the options:

CB Trae Waynes: Michigan State

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Trae Waynes catches a pass in a workout drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

There was no hesitation that Waynes was arguably the best cornerback coming into the draft, but after a fantastic combine Waynes has every team looking at him with eyes wide open.

Waynes ran an explosive 4.31 40-yard dash in the combine, while leaping to a 38-inch vertical. His 40 time was the best in his position and made the case clear that he wants to be the first corner taken.

Waynes had six total interceptions and 71 total tackles as a two year starter, his 6’1″, 182 pound frame sets him at a perfect height for a majority of receivers in the NFL.

Throughout the 2014 NCAA season, Waynes played spectacular against almost every team Michigan State faced. Although he had a rough night against Baylor, Waynes still plays tight coverage and uses his speed to keep up with his opponents.

For the most part, Waynes plays lock down defense. There are times where he leaves a small window which smart quarterbacks will pick up on but regardless, he has the mentality and worth ethic to improve and be a solid player in the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Antonio Cromartie

S Landon Collins: Alabama

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) on the field against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Ah yes, an Alabama defensemen getting drafted in the first round. No surprise here.

First things first, Collins is a thick safety. Six feet tall, 240 pounds. He’s like a train running at you without breaks. He’s a pure tackler for sure; no remorse for pain. Collins plays best against the run and is very aggressive when the ball is in the air. He seeks out the target and looks to level whoever it may be.

Collins has good hands, too. He made extremely impressive interceptions throughout his career, even though it may have only been five. His forte is tackling, though. Typically a strong safety, but can learn how to play free safety in NFL. In 2014 Collins wrapped up a total of 103 victims (tackles.) He does a great job at forcing running backs to the sidelines and hunting them down there.

Collins would be great alongside Smith, these two would go hand in hand, ultimately making a very…very scary secondary.

NFL Comparison: Matt Elam

CB Jalen Collins: LSU

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Jalen Collins runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Collins is an interesting choice here, he has an odd height and weight combination for his position. Collins, who normally plays safety, stands at 6’1″ and 203 pounds. So he has the height and weight to be a safety. The position confusion could be an issue with his draft stock but it is likely he will be a cornerback in the NFL.

Collins would be a good partner alongside Rhodes. Collins has great arm length to knock away passes when he’s trailing his receiver. He has the rare combination of length and speed which is a good asset to any corner.

Collins was timed a 6.77 on his 3-cone drill, which was the third fastest among cornerbacks. Although there were questions as to whether he will be a quality starter in the NFL, Collins shows he has the hard work when it comes to getting better. He is still learning on his technique, as of now it’s been obvious to see that he has natural talent.

Collins will only get better with good coaching, there shouldn’t be a worry with him getting worse rather than better. If he can keep working hard and learning the proper ways of being a cornerback, he’ll have a very high ceiling and shouldn’t have a problem in the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Johnthan Banks

The Minnesota Vikings have some options to play with here. Depending on what position they really think they need, there will be many different players to choose from. In the secondary, the Viking’s could add either a cornerback or safety to make great duo’s on the team; making the defense better one player at a time.

Next: Vikings also Looking for WRs in Draft

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