Vikings showing interest in draft prospect with ideal skillset at key position
The 2023 NFL Draft is just three weeks away and the Minnesota Vikings still have a critical roster deficiency to address Minnesota’s pass defense was abhorrent in the 2022 season. The Vikings ranked 31st in the NFL and allowed 265.6 yards through the air on average. Cornerback was already a major concern heading into the […]
The 2023 NFL Draft is just three weeks away and the Minnesota Vikings still have a critical roster deficiency to address
Minnesota’s pass defense was abhorrent in the 2022 season. The Vikings ranked 31st in the NFL and allowed 265.6 yards through the air on average.
Cornerback was already a major concern heading into the offseason, but it became a glaring weakness after starters Patrick Peterson and Duke Shelley found new homes in free agency.
The Vikes did make one major splash in free agency, inking Byron Murphy to a two-year deal, but the talent behind him is mediocre at best. However Minnesota does have an opportunity to rectify the problem in this draft class.
One player the Vikings are paying attention to is Louisville CB Kei’Trel Clark. The Draft Network's Justin Melo reports that Minnesota sat down with Clark in a virtual meeting.
Considered to be a Day 3 prospect, Clark is tenacious in the passing game. Despite his 5’ 10” 180-pound frame, Clark possesses quick-twitch speed which could be an asset in the Vikings’ cornerback room.
Here is how Clark tested at the NFL Scouting Combine:
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.42 seconds
- Vertical: 34.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 10 feet, 2 inches
- Shuttle Run: 4.21 seconds
In 2022, Clark registered a career-high 51 tackles, four TFLs, four passes defensed, an interception returned for a touchdown and a fumble returned for a touchdown.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores prefers cornerbacks who can hold their own in man coverage, which Clark excelled at in college. If Minnesota can further his development in the weight room, Clark would be a valuable addition to the Vikings’ secondary, even if he starts out as a depth piece.
