Minnesota Vikings: Preliminary 53-man roster analysis
By Luke Sims
Nov 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) during the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback: Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman, Captain Munnerlyn, Trae Waynes, Marcus Sherels
Mike Zimmer is one of the best, straight-talking head coaches in the NFL. He directly contradicted what his defensive coordinator said when he recently came out and told the press that rookie Trae Waynes isn’t ready to start in the NFL yet. Noting that it is not realistic for Waynes to start ahead of savvy veteran Terence Newman.
Newman, who is a Zimmer favorite, brings some smarts to a talented, athletic group of cornerbacks for the Minnesota Vikings. With Newman and Xavier Rhodes manning the starting positions and Waynes playing where needed, the Vikings should be in solid shape at cornerback.
The top four of Rhodes, Newman, Captain Munnerlyn, and Waynes should keep opposing offenses busy all day long. I have every confidence in Rhodes and Waynes pushing to be among the best corners in the league during the 2015 season. I believe Waynes will be better than many other rookie cornerbacks and expect him to be able to make plays for this defense.
There’s no doubt that Rhodes and Waynes are the future here. Newman is 37 years old and has 12 years of experience on his body. Munnerlyn is likely never going to take a step forward beyond being a third or fourth guy for the Vikings.
Sherels isn’t great depth but gets on the team due to his special teams ability.
Next: Is safety a tad thin behind Harrison Smith?