Minnesota Vikings: 3 Players to watch vs. 49ers in Week 1
By Randy Gurzi
2. Mike Hughes, Cornerback
With their first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Minnesota decided to take UCF cornerback Mike Hughes. Already strong in the secondary, Hughes could make the Vikings one of the toughest teams to move the ball on through the air this season.
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In a conference that features quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford — and receivers Allen Robinson, Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Davante Adams — having several corners is an absolute must. With Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes starting, Minnesota looks strong. Hughes is trying to get into the mix, but there’s also Mackensie Alexander who was a second-round pick in 2016 out of Clemson.
While Alexander looks to still be the starter in the slot, he will miss this Sunday’s game due to an ankle injury. That means Hughes will be pressed into action right away. Against a team like San Francisco, he will likely see the field a lot.
One game won’t make or break his career, but it will be good to see him get some action in his first NFL game. Hughes had limited experience against elite talent in college but was a stud in 2017 with the Knights. He’s also been praised for his work in training camp and the preseason.
Hughes could be the next star in the Vikings secondary, and Sunday will be his first chance to show off his talent.